It was indeed a successful outing as the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter led by Bassey Ikpang the Chairperson, came out in their numbers to put smiles across the faces of over 200 women at the Nga’Kupi Sapeyi Palace in Garki Village, FCT as part of activities marking the 2024 International Women’s Day. Our correspondent STELLAMARIES AMUWA as Secretary Organising Committee filed this report.
The International Women’s Day is the United Nations annual event set aside to celebrate women globally.The event which is usually a week long event commences March 8, with the theme for this year being “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” while the local theme for NAWOJ is Empowering Grassroots Women: Bridging Gaps Building Futures.
Moreover, Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity, and being loyal to the cause. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, these are the qualities the NAWOJians possess.
Meanwhile, this is the NAWOJ FCT leadership inaugural outing
In her welcome address the new Chairperson NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ita Ikpang said, “the International Women’s Day holds a special significance in our hearts, as it serves as a reminder of the countless contribution made by women in shaping our society, our nation and our world as sisters, wives and mothers.
“In every corner of the world, there are women that possess incredible potentials, strength ans resilience, many of these women, particularly those at the grassroots level, face numerous barriers that hinder their ability to thrive and contribute fully to their communities.”
According to Bassey “This formed part of the choice of our theme, even though the theme speaks of inspiring inclusion, empowering women is not just a matter of social justice, it is the essential for achieving sustainable development and fostering inclusive societies which the global theme demands”.
Furthermore, the grassroots women were identified as those who reside in rural or marginalized urban areas and often belong to economically disadvantages or minority groups, she noted that they are the backbone of their communities playing crucial roles in agriculture, small-scale businesses, caregiving and community development.
Bassey reiterated that despite their invaluable contributions, grassroots women are often marginalized as they face multiple forms of discrimination based on their gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status among other factors adding that when women are empowered they can break the cycle of poverty, advocate for their rights and become agents of change within their communities.
Meanwhile, she appealed that for the above to happen, grassroots women must have access to quality education, have access to legal reforms to access their rights to lands, property and justice as well as having them included in leadership decision making processes at all levels.
Again, she maintained that by bridging gaps and building futures, we can create a world where all women regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, have the opportunity to thrive, contribute and lead.
Similarly, Senator Ita Enang who spoke on Women and Inheritance Rights, said women are equal with men noting that some cultures and religions belief that women are inferior to men.
Sen. Enang said, “I do not believe and that is not the position of the law. The law is that a woman has the same rights as a man, and that is why the women had to got to Beijing to make sure their rights are enforced”
According to him, a father’s properties belong to both the male and female children noting that it is legally binding that both genders can benefit from inheritances
He further charged the Nigerian woman to take up her role in the fast changing society noting that women were vital members of society and should fully enjoy the rights the law provides for them.
Earlier, the Assistant Director in FRCN, Katherine Adunola Abimbola, tasked participants on the need to check on their mental health by learning to live within their means in view of present economic challenges and urged women to learn to have medical checks and not wait till they are down before running to the hospitals.
For chairperson of the IWD Organising Committee, Sandra Udeike of the FRCN, the event was an opportunity to invest and empower rural women.
Sandra said, “the event was an avenue to sensitize women on the need for preventive measures against cancer as well as enlighten them on their rights”.
Dr Philip Andofa provided insights into cancer prevention strategies,while Mr Ahmed Magaji shared valuable information on malaria prevention and treatment.
Highlight of activities was sensitization walk by members, gifting of food packs to community members who could not hide their excitement as they all came out to dance.
