The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has expressed its desire to partner with other women groups in decision-making, particularly in this critical period of coronavirus pandemic.
The National President of NCWS, Mrs Gloria Shoda in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja said that women groups should be included in all committees set up by government agencies at all levels.
Shoda, however, noted that the failure of ministries, departments and agencies of government not to include women groups and NGOs was worrisome.
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She said that in these trouble times, women and children were worse hit, hence the need for women as caregivers to be included in the frontline for the fight against COVID-19.
”NCWS is the umbrella body of Women Organisations in Nigeria with affiliates across board and structures in all the 774 LGAs in the country.
”We ought to be involved in issues like the fight against the spread of the pandemic currently ravaging the country and the world.
”Part of our mandate is assisting and enabling the nation to meet the needs of women but the exclusion of NCWS and other women who are the most vulnerable should be urgently addressed.
”It is organisations like the NCWS that will articulate women’s needs and help to build the needed structures in collaboration with the government to ensure appropriate response mechanism to women priorities.
”It will also address the concerns, especially in the disbursement of palliative to cushion the effects of the lockdown,’’ she said.
Shoda said that the council was ready and willing to galvanize all its branches, chapters and affiliates across the country to work with reliant committees of government to reach the vulnerable in the distribution of palliatives.
She said that all hands must be on deck in the presence of increasing spread of this virus in order to complement government efforts, “which is commendable, and together we shall succeed’’.
”We appreciate the different tiers of governments, NCDC and other health workers, the media, all those that have contributed in any way, including the First Lady for their hard work and sacrifices.
”The media is really working hard creating awareness and especially the health workers who sacrifice their time, expertise and risking their lives to save others.
”The essentials service providers are also helping in their various ways. We pray for those that have died, may their souls rest in peace.
“Coronavirus is no respecter of anyone, stay safe,’’ the NCWS national president said.
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