Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to promoting the welfare and empowerment of women, pledging sustained government support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and families across the state.

He has therefore lent his support to campaigns aimed at eradicating gender based violence (GBV) in the country, including sexual-related one.

The Governor made the commitment on Wednesday when members of the Nigeria Governors' Spouses' Forum (NGSF), in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri.

Welcoming the delegation, Uzodimma described women as critical stakeholders in national development and commended the Forum for championing programmes that promote gender equality, family welfare and community development.

He stressed that meaningful progress in advancing women's rights and social development could only be achieved through strong partnerships involving governments, development agencies, donor organisations, foundations and community-based groups.

"We are beneficiaries of every effort aimed at improving the lives of women and families. The Imo State Government will continue to support initiatives that promote their welfare," the Governor said.

He further urged development partners to strengthen collaboration with State governments, noting that collective action remains essential for delivering sustainable and impactful development programmes capable of transforming communities.

Earlier, leader of the delegation and wife of the Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, called for stronger political commitment to preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), describing the menace as a major obstacle to development, good governance and economic growth.

On the State-level advocacy engagement organised by the Nigeria Governors' Spouses' Forum in partnership with the Ford Foundation, she urged the Imo State Government to commence the domestication of the National Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.

She argued that empowering women economically would significantly reduce their vulnerability to violence while strengthening families and communities.

Barr. Uzodimma acknowledged the declaration of a State of emergency on Gender-Based Violence by the Nigeria Governors' Forum in 2020 but maintained that policy pronouncements must be backed by concrete implementation, effective enforcement and sustained investment.

"Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not only a social issue; it is a development challenge, a governance issue and a silent economic drain on our states," she said.

She appealed to the Governor to direct the appropriate Ministry to begin the process of domesticating the WEE Policy, while also calling on the State government to prioritise SGBV prevention through increased funding for survivor support services, stricter enforcement of existing laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act, and stronger support for community-led initiatives aimed at eliminating harmful cultural and social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

The advocacy visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Governors' Spouses' Forum and the Ford Foundation to mobilise political support for policies and programmes that promote women's economic empowerment, protect the rights of women and girls, and strengthen institutional responses to gender-based violence across Nigeria.

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