Enugu state Governor”s wife , Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has charged women to build their careers, eschew bitterness, jealousy and encourage one another inorder to make a difference and create a better future for women in Enugu State and beyond.
She noted that doing so, will enable women to be prepared for inclusion opportunities.
She gave the charge in her speech presented at an event organized by the Women Committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Enugu state to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day.
Pix- Enugu Gov’s wife, Mrs Mbah
The Governor’s wife,who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Dr. Uzoamaka Okenwa said her greatest mission in Enugu is to identify with women irrespective of class.
“We have come to a point where we can identify our place and bring it up to limelight.
” His Excellency operates an open policy, He is always looking for what she can do to ensure that you and I are happy.
Build yourself first, build your own career, eschew jealousy, envy, hatred and wickedness for fellow women. Let us stop pull her down syndrome, let us believe in one another,” Mrs Mbah said.
Pix- NLC Enugu state chairman,Comrade Fabian Nwigbo joined women in cutting the cake
In her speech, the Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Children and Social Development Enugu state, Mrs Ngozi Enih o,who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Nkechinyere Ewoh, said “International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world and Enugu State is no exception. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is very appropriate and timely. Women are encouraged to see themselves as family leaders, organizers, and people who are involved in managing their families”.
According to her, “this year’s celebration has included a number of activities designed to empower women intellectually and encourage them to participate in economic development at the local, state, and national levels.
“The ministry is committed to working with the Women Committee, Nigerian Labor Congress to empower women and promote gender equality. We are committed to creating opportunities for women in the areas of education, employment, and entrepreneurship. I encourage all women to participate in these opportunities and to take advantage of the resources available to them. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for women in Enugu State and beyond.”
Speaking, the representative of the Commissioner, ministry of Labour and productivity, Mr Romanus. Eze, thanked the organizers of the event.
Pix- Dr Okenwa
He said women are important in the society. “Without women, no society can exist. It’s because of this that the United Nations set aside a day to celebrate women every year. However, women still feel that they are not included in decision-making processes.
“Including women in the society will help us rekindle our agenda for equality and proper gender balance.. In addition, We must work together to create a society where everyone is respected and valued, regardless of gender, “he said.
In his speech, the NLC Chairman Enugu state, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo said, “It is important to recognize that women face unique challenges and barriers in our society. However, I believe that if we work together, we can overcome these challenges and achieve equality for all. As a He for She, I am proud to be part of this movement for change, and I hope that you will join me in making a difference.”
Pix- Comrade Ifeoma Amuta, NUJ ,Enugusecretary
In a paper presentation on “Inspire Inclusion by Investing on Women Workers”, The lead paper presenter, Barr. Nnenna Anozie said “This day is a reminder of the struggles we have faced, but also of the strength and resilience we have shown in overcoming them.
“I want to emphasize that women are capable of so much more than what society often tells us. We are not defined by our gender, but by our achievements and our potential because our potential is greater than our limitations, Let us remember that women have made significant contributions to our world, and we must continue to fight the cause especially by building on self first.
“I know many women who do not depend on their monthly salaries. They are business owners, entrepreneurs, and creators. Many of them even borrow money to fund their businesses, and they will tell you that they do not regret it.
By the end of the month, they have more than what they started with.
This is the kind of economic empowerment I’m talking about, “she said.
Anozie expressed the hope that ,policies that promote women’s rights will lead to a more just and equitable society.
She noted that women have a unique perspective to offer, and their voices should be heard in all areas of society. She added.
She encouraged women to report every cases of abuse to appropriate quarters and ensure perpetrators are charged with Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
In her speech, the President Muslim Sisters Organization, Enugu state, Mrs Offordile Fatima Ebere encouraged women to always organize their homes and lives in a way that allow them to participate in social and economic activities.
Fatima in her message of self-empowerment, emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and working hard to achieve one’s goals.
“This is a message that should be shared and celebrated by everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs,” she said.AAa
Earlier in a welcome address, the chairperson, NLC Women Committee Enugu state, Comrade Rosemary Ugwu urged women to have a shift in cultural attitude and societal norms.
“Women need to take their rightful place as leaders in every aspect of decision making especially those that affect them. Government at all levels must have to invest in and ensure women have access to healthcare and reproductive rights and as well promote economic opportunities for them. We must stand against Gender Based Violence and discrimination in all its norms“
The event which was held at the Rt. Hon ( Dr.) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi NUJ Press Center ,Enugu, had the theme “Inspire Inclusion.”
Organizations in attendance included Nigeria Union of Journalist Enugu represented by the state Secretary, Comrade Ifeoma Amuta,
Nigeria Association of Women Journalist led by the state chairperson, Comrade Ngozi Ngene, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives led by Dr. Mrs Ngozi Ugwu, TUC Women Committee Enugu state, National Council for Women Society led by Lady Chi -chi Ogbu and Nigeria Union of Pensioners Enugu state led by Comrade Ikechukwu Ekere.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama