Women in forest communities of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, have called on the Federal and State Governments as well as other relevant authorities to give them a voice by amending the Land Use Act to accommodate their interests as beneficiaries especially widows whose husbands may have died a long time ago.
This was part of a one day workshop organised by the Environmental Rights Action and Friend of the Earth Nigeria in collaboration with Community Forest Watch held at Akampa Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
The forum led by an environmental activist, Maurice Olory, focused on the activities of multinationals operating in the Niger Delta region without compensation, especially to women whose husbands may have died but denied the opportunity to benefit from landed property.
They kicked against the situation where whatever is due to the women is given through the community heads because the law does not recognise their rights.
On his part, the Head of Coalition of NGOs, Obongha Oguni, called on multi-national companies operating in Cross River State to factor in widows in their compensation plans.
The workshop with the theme “Capacity Building on Gender Mainstreaming to Enhance Women Inclusiveness In Community Land Rights” brought participants from the civil society, media and government representatives.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
