The drive to entrench gender inclusion and equity in governance received a boost on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Council, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, hosted the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development for a Public Hearing on the Domestication of the Enugu State Gender Policy.
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The sensitization exercise, held at the Awgu Local Government Council Hall, was organised in partnership with the South Saharan Social Development Organisation with support from the Ford Foundation. It brought together government officials, community leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders from across Awgu LGA.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Ndubuisi F. Nwaudigwe, the Chairman welcomed the ministry’s delegation and commended the initiative. He emphasized that Awgu Local Government was fully committed to supporting the domestication process, noting that it would serve as a framework for fairness, inclusiveness, and sustainable development in the area.
Adding to the discussions, the Special Adviser to Awgu council Chairman on Women Mobilization and Entrepreneurship, Hon. Dr. Oby Offor, highlighted the role of women in driving grassroots development. She stressed that the gender policy would further empower women to participate actively in governance, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, thereby strengthening the economic and social fabric of Awgu LGA.
Leading the team from the ministry, the Director of the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esther Mbah, outlined the objectives of the policy and stressed the importance of grassroots engagement. She explained that the public hearing was a crucial step in ensuring that the provisions of the gender policy are not only understood but also effectively implemented at the local government level.
The event provided participants with a platform to deliberate on the policy’s provisions and to share perspectives on how best to integrate gender considerations into community development and governance. It also served as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the state government, local authorities, and development partners in advancing social justice and equal opportunities for all.
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