By Mike Adeyemi
An Ilorin based Non Governmental Organization, Golden Heart Women Forum has empowered the less privileged in Kwara State to give them new lease of life.
The NGO has so far empowered 6 widows, 10 indigent students and supported orphanage homes in the state.
Speaking with National Pilot on Friday in her office, the Technical Director of GHWF, Olowoleru Comfort Omowumi, said the desire to impact lives of the less informed the establishment of the NGO.
According to her, “what birthed this NGO is passion. When you have passion to help the less privileged in the society, you just have to obey the calling.”
“We came together as a group and decided to give back to the society and we went out to schools to pay tuition fees of some indigent students.
“During last Christmas, we bought food stuff for widows, orphanage homes and beggars on the streets. Sometimes we take up cases of battered wives and those having challenges with their marriage by empowering them financially.
She added that Golden Heart Women Forum has stood up for women who suffered sexual and gender violence across the state.
“Presently, we are doing gender and sexual violence sensitisation across Kwara in synergy with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“The rate of rape in the country is high. Rape is barbaric and a wicked act.
“The rapist are conscious of their wrongdoings. Though there are lots of inducement to that such as indecent dressing and poverty. We sensitise ladies on what they can do to avoid being raped.
“We are building their capacity on self defence, self esteem and on the courage to speak out at the right time. We also sensitised the community and women against sending their young wards out on errands at odd hours.
“Government is doing much on gender and sexual violence against women, but it cannot do it alone. As individuals, NGOs, it is our responsibility to speak out against rape and condemn it in its totality,” she charged.
