Visionary Reports

This was during the “#Act4peace237” Campaign organised by GIDICom in Bamenda

Effects of the ongoing crisis rocking the North West and South West regions have instilled   hatred and pain in the minds of many and women are not exempted. Such pain and hatred has been manifested online and offline in hate speeches and violent attacks. Women most often have been oppressed and victimised.

Against this backdrop, the Global Initiative for Digital Inclusion and Communication GIDICom as part of a campaign dubbed “#Act4peace237” with slogan “#DefyHateNow” organized a fireside chat with women, particularly women with special abilities. This was to enable GIDICom get their stories and bring them around dialogue.

While moderating the event, the Communication and Gender Expert for GIDICom Madam Rosaline Obah Akah called on the women to engage in the discussion so that the world can better understand their predicaments.  The heart to heart talk gave a chance for the women  to share their experiences and tell their story.

The Executive Director of GIDICom Madam Pedmia Shatu applauded the women for coming owing to the high level of insecurity in the region. She explained the concept of “#DefyHateNow” and “#Act4peace237” Campaign which is geared towards taking small but hygienic steps towards a #HateFree online and offline space. She urged them to begin by advocating peace in their small spheres of influence by solving little misunderstandings around their communities. 

Women during the chat shared their pain most of which included losing loved ones, property, teenage pregnancies, lack of home comfort, lack of assistance, inability for persons living with disabilities to run when there is a shootout and lot more. The women with special needs frowned at all organizations carrying out humanitarian assistance and government as no one has assessed their needs to get first hand information of what their needs are.  They said as a result of their disabilities, they have been unable to get to sites where humanitarian assistance are been offered.

At the end of the chat session Madam Pedmia Shatu echoed that 15 women was a good number to start with. “Their stories simply tells me and my team that we don’t need to sleep but work double to see that we impact lives because these are just a few of such women going through trauma but I believe with God on our side, we shall hold on firm and bring the desired impact” GIDICom’s Executive Director added.

The women appreciated GIDICom for giving them a  listening ear  they promised to take small significant moves to #DefyHateNow in their various communities. 

GINA ESONG

Reaction

 “The Crisis have doubled their pain”

Rosaline Akah Obah- Communication and Gender Expert – GIDICom

“Women need to be listened to. You will not know their pain until you engage them in a chat.

 After talking to them I got revealing statistics and issues regarding persons especially women with special abilities. Women with special abilities have had their own share in this current war yet their stories haven’t been heard.  A lot is going on within their circle that go unreported and unattended. Humanitarian agencies as well need to think of extending a hand to them as a special group of persons going through untold challenges as a result of the current crisis.