BASIC FACT SHEET ON DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE (D&G) WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

YEAR	COMMUNITIES WORKED IN	NO OF CBO LEADERS TRAINED	ESTIMATED NO OF GRASSROOTS WOMEN AFFECTED
2004 - 2005	10 communities	250  women leaders of CBOs in the 10 communities.	10,000 Grassroots women affected
2005 - 2006	10 communities	250  women leaders of CBOs in the 10 communities.	10,000 Grassroots women affected
Jan. – June 2006 - 2007	10 communities	250  women leaders of CBOs in the 10 communities.	10,000 Grassroots women affected
TOTAL	30 communities	750  women leaders in the 30 communities.	30,000 Grassroots women affected

This Democracy and Governance programme (D&G) have a positive effect on women and the communities where its activities are implemented.  The 100 women group had worked on the widowhood rites as it affects women and they had made a remarkable impact by restoring the dignity of widows who were intimidated and denied their rights to  inheritance of  their late husbands’ properties due to the traditional beliefs and neglect on women.

Freedom of expression and movement by women have also been achieved by the activities “of the 100 women group strategy – giving women a voice” because previously women in these communities were not allowed to speak in the presence of the  men folk according to tradition, or travel outside their homes or attend seminars and trainings outside their community.  Before the introduction of this D&G programme, any woman who attend such forums as leadership training or rallies are regarded as prostitutes in their villages. 

In the political field, the D&G activities made some positive changes in the lives of the women to know their rights as human beings who have equal opportunities to come out and contest for any political positions of their choice like men, instead of staying away and being scared by the  men folk whereas they can even do better if given opportunities to contest.  The 100 women group condemned thuggery and election rigging which has taken over the elections and politics in Nigeria.  Women are now aware and enlightened to protest against evil steps taken by bad politicians in their respective communities and have fought against election fraud  which is the order of the day in Nigeria.  Most importantly, women are now regarded as tools for positive changes in the communities where this D&G programme is implemented.  Most of them are now involved in the decision making bodies in their communities.  Their opinions are being sort for in any community development activity in their areas or else such activity will not succeed without women’s moral and financial support. 

This D&G programme is very essential and it has made some remarkable impact in the communities of its operation.  Men and women  in the communities where the programme is implemented have sent testimonies on peaceful development and abolition  of crimes in their areas due to the activity of the  100-women group in their communities.  Most important is that; the  D and G programme and activities are sustainable as it continued to be practiced in communities;  even when DEC is no longer working in such communities. That is the major dividend of this innovative strategy.

The DEC Social Services plans to reach out to  more new communities in Speaking States of Nigeria in order to achieve greater results in stopping the harmful traditional practices and creating freedom for women to become economically self reliant.

 

Ifeoma Okechukwu
Programme Officer Social Services
DEC’ Enugu.