March 5, 2025, marks one year in office for Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke, the Special Assistant on Gender Mainstreaming to the Governor of Cross River State.
Over the past year, she has played a pivotal role in advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Her tenure has been characterized by policy development, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at integrating gender perspectives into state governance and ensuring the protection and empowerment of women and girls in Cross River State.
Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke Key Achievements in One Year:
- Developing of a Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy and courses for MDAs in Cross River State with the support of CUSO International.
- Developing of a Care and Support Policy for Cross River State in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Consultative dialogue with stakeholders on Menstrual Hygiene Management System
2. Advocacy for Gender-Responsive Policies & Budgeting
- Advocated to His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu, Governor of CRS for gender-responsive budgeting and equitable resource allocation.
- Supported Local Governments in developing gender-sensitive action plans and gender mainstreaming.
- Trained Gender Desk Officers and Women Affairs Officers across Line Ministries and 18 LGAs on Gender Mainstreaming.
- Strengthened partnerships with FIDA, WOWICAN, NUJ, Ministry of Education, APWEN, Women with Disabilities, and others.
- Trained 50 women across the 18 LGAs in climate action bootcamp.
- Interactive session with Association of Environmental Lawyers and other Climate stakeholders
- Mentored Students of Biochemistry Department, University of Calabar on Women’s Leadership.
- Mentored students of National Association of Cross River State Student- University of Calabar Chapter.
- Partnered with Dr. Esther Oden Foundation on the Big Sister Program for Secondary School Girls.
5. Gender-Based Violence Prevention.
- Trained police and civil defense officers on the VAPP Law to improve GBV response.
- Sensitization on radio on Female Genital Mutilation
- 30km Walk during Carnival to create awareness on GBV
6. Male Engagement and Promoting Positive Masculinity.
- Launched International Boys’ Day to promote positive masculinity.
- Partnered with the Obong of Calabar and UN Women for the International Day of the Girl Child.
- Hosted the first ever Cross River State Men’s Summit to engage male leaders in gender advocacy.
7. Inclusion and Support for Persons with Disabilities.
- Facilitated the Calabar Autism workshop, advocating for care and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
- Joined the Global Alliance for Care to enhance policy collaboration.
- Capacity building for professional social workers.
- Advocacy visit to The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
- Advocacy visit to the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative
- Advocacy visit to Police Officers Wives Association (POWA)
9. Reproductive and Sexual Health & Well-Being:
- Distributed sanitary pads and educated girls on menstrual
hygiene at Government Secondary School, Ayangase,
Akpabuyo. - Carried out walk to create awareness of cervical cancer during
the Medical Women’s Association Cancer Day Celebration
So far Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke Legacy:
Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke first year in office has been defined by strategic policymaking, advocacy, and impactful programs that have strengthened the gender agenda in Cross River State.
Her efforts have ensured that gender issues are at the forefront of governance, influencing policy decisions, budgeting, and social interventions that benefit women, girls, and other marginalized groups.
Her leadership continues to drive progress, positioning Cross River State as a model for gender mainstreaming in Nigeria. As she moves into her second year in office, expectations are high for even greater policy implementation, expanded partnerships, and deeper grassroots impact.
Conclusion
With the unwavering support of His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Otu, and strong collaborations with national and international partners, Utibe-Abasi Orok Bassey-Duke remains committed to ensuring that gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion remain a priority in Cross River State.
Her one-year milestone is not just a celebration of achievements but a call to sustain and build upon the foundation laid, ensuring a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive society for all.
Congratulations on One Year of Impactful Leadership!
