Various women groups led by the Bayelsa chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ have called on Federal and State Governments to put in place programmes and policies that will encourage active participation and harnessing of potentials of women in the socio-economic and political life of the nation.
According to the Women groups, the active participation of women in the nation’s socio-economic and political journey could throw up more solutions to the lingering inflation and growing economic challenges bedeviling the country.
These were made known during a one-day event organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Bayelsa State chapter to mark this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress”.
The event which took place at the NUJ Press Centre,Yenagoa was attended by various women groups.
In a welcome address, the Chairperson NAWOJ Bayelsa State, Mrs. Grace Orumieyefa pointed out that Nigerian women are society builders and the empowerment of women will pave the way for the betterment of the society hence there is need for female empowerment initiatives.
In a Keynote address, a veteran Journalist, Mrs Florence Kakandar, who dwelled on the numerous roles of women in the society and ways of Harnessing such Potentials, insisted that building a positive mindset, improving on emotional mindset, developing willpower, cultivating strong social support, aspiring for greatness, setting achievable goals are keys to attaining successes.
Kakandar however pointed out that knowledge is power and women must desire for more knowledge to cope with the rising demands for active participation in the socio-economic and political struggle and must also inspire one another to be more independent and self reliant.
Also, Chairman of NUJ Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Samuel Numonengi while recounting the role his mother played in his life, observed that the involvement of women in policies and politics is crucial for development of society.
The programme, which also featured a round table discussion, had panelists such as Tariere Egbegi Esq, Coordinator
100 Women Lobby Group, Dr. Ebidenyefa Nikade, Mrs. Timinipre Idoko, former NAWOJ Zonal Vice President, Mary Bekeowei, Executive Director, Starrz Safety Initiative, Comradr Eunice Nnachi, Chairperson ENWAF, Deme Pamoso Esq, Chairperson FIDA and Mrs Beatrice Sikpi, Chairperson,Welfare Committee of the NUJ,Bayelsa State.
According to the panelists, successful female leaders should create mentorship platforms for female mentees.
They maintained that in the area of equality, no gender is greater than the other and Women should be given a level playing ground to exhibit their skills and potentials.
The panelists resolved that government and various platforms must give recognition and encouragement to women to improve their potential and enable them birth new phase in the society.
They further called on women to desist from societal norms and traditions which sees them less powerful but rather embrace education and entrepreneurship in order to harness potentials and values.
Women were urged to balance and enhance themselves to live above the economy challenges by embracing the social media to equip, learn new skills and develop themselves.
It was also agreed that diversification and understanding of personal values is key to having a sustainable progress as such there is need to address low participation of Women in politics.
The event had leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress Women Wing, Search for Common Ground, FIDA, 100 Women Lobby Group, People living with Disabilities, Federation of Muslim Women, Bayelsa Women Forum, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, Police Officers Wives Association, Starzz Safety Initiative, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, DO Foundation and the National Council for Women Societies in attendance.
