We ‘ll keep fighting sexual, gender-based violence – First Ladies

This was contained in a communique issued in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital at the end of their 2024 retreat on Thursday evening read by Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Chairperson Nigeria Governors Wives Forum.

The forum described the retreat as opportunity for members to strategically fraternize and gain a deeper understanding of the diversities within the nation.

The First Ladies pledged to vigorously advocate for adopting six months of paid maternity leave, engage executive governors and state legislators to promote the policy across all states for improved maternity and child welfare in the country.

“It was a testament to the commitment of these remarkable women to unity, collaboration, progress and development in the service of their states and the nation as a whole. At the end of the meeting the following resolutions were made.

“The forum affirms yet again its unwavering resolve to keep up the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in their various states.

“The First Ladies have collectively endorsed the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, Gavi Initiative, committing to sustained advocacy for HPV vaccine uptake to protect our girls health.

“The next line of action is a selective sensitization of wives of local government chairman on HPV vaccine and cancer awareness.

“The First Ladies have pledged to vigorously advocate for adopting six months of paid maternity leave, engaging executive governors and state legislators to promote this policy across all states for improved maternity and child welfare”, the communique stated.

The meeting was attended by 23 out of the 36 First of the federation.

They were received into the state by Ebonyi First Lady, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru