PLATEAU: WRAPA VOLUNTEER GROUP SETS STRATEGIES TO INCREASE MEMBERSHIP, TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN, AND GIRLS’ RIGHTS

By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) Volunteer Group has already started operating in Plateau State.

The 20 members of the group, who were carefully selected are expected to intensify the efforts of WRAPA in advancing Women’s Rights protection, and empowerment in the grass-roots communities in Plateau State.

The decision to replicate the Volunteer Group in the grass-root communities in Plateau State was taken today by the 20 selected Volunteers, at a One-Day Step-Down Training in Jos South-Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, after extensively deliberating on ways to assist WRAPA fortify its organizational resilience, drive to cause an impactful change in safeguarding the rights of women and girls and the objective of launching the Volunteer Corps in the state.

20 WRAPA CORPS

 

The 20 participants drawn from Youth Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Faith Based Women Wing Organizations, the 54 Tribes under PIDAN, NGOs, and the Media, also resolved to have a structure of the Volunteer Corps in the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), the Districts, Wards and Polling Units of the state.

They also resolved to kick start the advocacy and other activities to actualize their objective from the Northern Zone of the state, while they continue to be active in the sensitization of their individual, immediate communities. 

WRAPA TRAINING SESSION

 To increase membership and commitment to WRAPA (Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative), and to address the high cases of VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls), the 20 members deliberated and considered the following strategies:

1. Raise awareness: Educate the community about WRAPA's mission, goals, and impact.

2. Engage local leaders: Collaborate with influential community leaders to promote WRAPA's work.

3. Personal stories: Share survivors' stories to highlight the importance of WRAPA's advocacy.

4. Community events: Organize events, workshops, and campaigns to involve the community.

5. Volunteer opportunities: Offer meaningful volunteer roles to encourage commitment.

6. Membership benefits: Clearly communicate the benefits of WRAPA membership.

7. Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to expand WRAPA's reach.

8. Social media: Utilize social media platforms to promote WRAPA's work and engage the community.

9. Training and capacity building: Provide training and resources to empower members.

10. Recognition and appreciation: Acknowledge and appreciate members' contributions.

J. MADAKI, STATE COORDINATOR OF WRAPA

 Earlier, while welcoming the participants to the training the State Coordinator of WRAPA, Mrs. Jummai Madaki, told the participants that “Following WRAPA’s recent Zonal engagement, and the official launch of the Program Volunteers, the state-level had to replicate the launch”.

Adding that “The persistence of VAWG in Nigeria stems from complex socio-cultural, economic, and political factors and addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach beginning with robust community engagements”.

She said by equipping program volunteers to actively oppose VAWG and promote gender equality, the initiative would create a foundation for lasting change at the grass-root levels. 

 “Simultaneously, enhancing legal and social frameworks is crucial to providing, protective-environment for victims and at-risk individuals, through sustainable advocacy. This initiative seeks to drive significant changes in policy and societal attitudes toward Women’s Rights”. Mrs. Madaki, added.  

It is of note that WRAPA, supported by Ford Foundation has been a stalwart advocate for women’s rights in Nigeria for over two decades now.  

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