Desirous to tackle obstacles inhibiting the emergence of peaceful and healthy families in some Imo State communities, a non-profit, non-religious and non- Governmental Organization-“Community life Project” has commenced
sensitization/awareness workshops and seminars in four autonomous
communities of Owerri North council area of Imo State, comprising Umuorii, Okwu, Umuoba and Umualum Communities.
Established in 1993 with Headquarters in Lagos, the programme manager
Celine Osukwu said that the exercise which had already taken place in Nsukka, Enugu State was envisioned to give voice to one and all as well as to defend the defenseless particularly women and girls who are often subjected to wanton discrimination especially over property inheritance.
The CLP manager disclosed this at a one day training of town union Leaders of the four communities mentioned above held at the Umuorii Uratta women hall which had the theme “the role of men in building just and healthy families and communities”
As part of efforts to realize its mission, Osukwu said that the Organization works in synergy with traditional rulers of her host communities to get its message trickle down to the grassroots and to promote healthy life there.
“CLP is out to give voice to the voiceless and to promote inclusivity. Girls usually suffer unjustified discrimination arising from inheritance of family properties and we are out to tackle such evil and retrogressive practices in such communities”
At the workshop which was attended by the traditional ruler of Obibi Uratta community- Eze Boniface Ariri, don of the department of Crop Science- University of Nigeria Usukka, (UNN)-Professor Simon Eze
dwelling on the topic “the role of men in building just and healthy family” identified a just and healthy family as one where fairness, equality and wellbeing are provided, ensuring that all members feel valued, respected and supported physically, emotionally and mentally.
Eze Ariri- a professor of Agronomy and President General of Obige Obukpha Community, in Nsukka Council area of Enugu State listed characteristics of a just and healthy family to include: fairness and equity, safety and protection from all forms of harm, fair opportunities, equal inheritance rights, physical and mental wellbeing as well as healthy conflict resolution.
The don who also highlighted the role of men in building a just and
healthy family such as practicing fairness and equity, provision of
emotional and physical safety, sharing household responsibilities and making family decision collectively contended that a just and healthy family is the foundation of a strong and fair society, stressing that by “ensuring open communication, emotional support and equal opportunities within the home, will nurture individuals who will contribute positively to
their communities.
“furthermore, challenging harmful gender noms and embracing healthy masculinity fosters safer more inclusive spaces where everyone is treated
with dignity he stated”.
