The Monagboka Community Builders Initiative (MCBI), a group of Ogoni women, has urged the meaningful engagement of women in the ongoing negotiations on the likely restoration of oil and gas production in Ogoniland.
The call was made at a news briefing held by the women-led grassroots organization at the Ogoni Traditional Headquarters, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking during the briefing, President of the group, Annas Dumnamene, said women must be heard in decisions affecting the future of Ogoni, Channels TV reports.
“Not just about the resumption of production but what kind of Ogoni will the industry return to especially in terms of livelihoods, environmental protection and community development,” Dumnamene said.
MCBI also asked for the creation of an Ogoni Women and Community Development Forum, which will serve as a vehicle for women from Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme to join in the conversation and track its development.
The organization also called for meaningful representation of women in the dialogue structures, technical committees, environmental monitoring bodies, hiring and procurement processes.
It also required a minimum of 35 percent female representation in Ogoni youth organisations particularly at the leadership levels.
Environmental remediation must not be compromised, the group added, noting that the cleanup of contaminated regions must go forward and cannot be undermined by any future return of petroleum operations.
MCBI also urged for economic opportunities for women-owned enterprises in fields like agriculture, food processing, catering, transportation, logistics, environmental services, ICT and other sectors.
Dumnamene appealed to stakeholders in the continuing debate to ensure that it delivers tangible results for the ordinary people of Ogoni.
“The young Ogoni woman must be viewed. She has to be heard. She must be involved. And she has to lead,” she said.
The organization also requested for more transparency in the conversation process, stating stakeholders need to be clear about agreements achieved, lingering concerns, employment prospects and how contracts and other advantages will be shared and monitored.
MCBI argued that no one group is the exclusive custodians of the Ogoni voice and asked for an all-inclusive process that would involve the different stakeholders in the region.
The organization said any structure for the return of oil must ensure that women are involved, the environment is protected, there are economic opportunities, community development and accountability.
Dumnamene said the group would continue to fight for the interests of women and communities while conversations continue on the future of Ogoni.
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