On November 14, 2023, the Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) embarked on an advocacy meeting with relevant stakeholders, including our target audience, to introduce transformative projects aimed at supporting marginalized women and persons with disabilities in the Umuechem and Abara communities of Etche LGA, Rivers State. With the generous support of the Global Greengrants Fund, these initiatives were designed to educate and empower marginalized groups, enhance environmental awareness, implement adaptation measures, and promote women’s inclusion. The projects also provided opportunities for networking with government stakeholders and civil society organizations.
On November 21, 2023, HELDi conducted a sensitization program specifically for women and persons with disabilities in the two communities. This session addressed critical issues such as environmental pollution, its causes, and its impacts. Participants gained valuable insights into the environmental challenges affecting their communities and discussed practical solutions.
Building on these efforts, a comprehensive training session was held on January 16, 2024. This multi-stakeholder training, which included community stakeholders, government regulators, and members of civil society organizations, focused on environmental impact and adaptation processes. Participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address environmental challenges and promote the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. The session also fostered networking and partnerships among various stakeholders, promoting collaborative problem-solving.
On February 6, 2024, HELDi organized a specialized training session titled “Empowering Resilience: Capacity Building for Physically Challenged and Marginalized Women on Environmental Pollution and Adaptation Strategies” for the target audience. This initiative aimed to enhance the resilience of physically challenged and marginalized women by building their capacity to tackle environmental pollution and adapt to environmental changes. Coinciding with the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its theme “Her Voice,” HELDi celebrated the day and raised awareness among the participants. HELDi also supported participants with free medical check-ups before the training.
To ensure the effectiveness and impact of the project, HELDi conducted thorough monitoring and evaluation activities. On April 15, 2024, the team assessed progress in the Umuechem community, followed by similar activities in Abara on April 24, 2024. These evaluations provided valuable feedback and helped refine future initiatives.
The project’s success culminated in a storytelling session on May 11, 2024, in Umuechem, where members from both communities gathered to share their experiences and reflect on the project’s impact. This event highlighted personal stories of transformation and the positive changes brought about by the initiatives.
This funded project, focusing on physically challenged and marginalized women in the Umuechem and Abara communities, was successfully implemented. All proposed activities outlined in the project proposal were executed effectively. Women, persons with disabilities, adolescents, pregnant women, and other community members benefited from thorough education on environmental pollution, its impacts, and various adaptation measures.
The project had a significant positive impact, fostering unity and peace-building between the two communities. It empowered marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities by raising awareness of their rights and promoting their inclusion. Substantial waste reduction and the adoption of sustainable practices for healthier living were also achieved in the communities. Additionally, the initiative created networking opportunities between government regulators and civil society organizations, enhancing collaborative efforts. It increased the visibility of the communities’ issues both locally and globally, encouraging more stakeholders to engage and address these challenges.
Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi), with the support of the Global Greengrants Fund, has made significant strides in empowering and educating women and persons with disabilities in Umuechem and Abara. These efforts have not only addressed critical environmental issues but have also fostered unity, peace-building, and improved living conditions for all community members. The continued collaboration and support from stakeholders will be crucial in sustaining these positive changes and ensuring a healthier, more inclusive future for these communities, with expanded networks for continued support and advocacy.
With gratitude, we appreciate the Global Greengrants Fund for their support in improving the lives of marginalized women and people with disabilities in oil-polluted communities. The success of these projects serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of supporting marginalized groups in the fight against environmental challenges.
We also passionately appeal for more funding from our esteemed funder, Global Greengrants Fund, as well as other potential donors. This support is crucial for empowering women and extending our reach to more marginalized and vulnerable women, as well as persons with disabilities, in other oil-extracted communities within the Niger Delta of Nigeria. And we sincerely believe that with your continued support, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of these underserved populations, fostering unity, resilience, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
Recent Comments