As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Rt. Hon. (Elder) Francis O. Oborevwori on Women Mobilization, Hon. Chief Betty Onakpoma joins the global community in honouring the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. This year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress”, was celebrated at the Ughelli North Local Government Council Hall on Tuesday 12 March 2024.
International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of gender equality and the need to address various challenges faced by women, including gender-based violence, lack of access to education, and economic empowerment. The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Rt. Hon. (Elder) Francis O. Oborevwori on Women Mobilization recognizes the crucial role that women play in driving social and economic progress and remains dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote women’s rights and empowerment, reaffirming her commitment to:
Championing gender equality and women’s rights in Delta State, Supporting initiatives that promote women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes, and Providing resources and opportunities for women to thrive in various fields, including entrepreneurship, education, and technology.
Collaborating with local and international partners to advance the cause of women’s empowerment and gender equality.
“International Women’s Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. It resonates deeply with Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and commitment to enhancing gender equality and empowering women in all spheres of life, of which I am a beneficiary,” said Mrs. Onakpoma. “We must continue to invest in women and girls, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to society. By empowering women, as His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori has done to me and many others, and more to come, we can accelerate progress towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.”
In her keynote lecture, Dr. Mrs. Arinze Patricia, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Asaba, commended the SSA for her ongoing efforts in engaging with women, inspiring and motivating them towards sustainable development, highlighting the invaluable contributions of women to societal progress, emphasizing their role as sources of inspiration. She underscored the importance of determination, resilience, and compassion in transforming lives and communities.
The benefits of gender equality, according to Dr. Arinze include reduced poverty, better health outcomes, a stronger economy, and stronger families. When women are provided with the same opportunities as men, it lifts families out of poverty, improves overall health, boosts economic growth, and enhances family dynamics.
“Holding policymakers accountable for prioritizing women’s rights and ensuring collaboration with women’s organizations. Efforts are needed to empower women farmers and give women control over financial assets. Education for women and girls should be prioritized, along with funding for women’s healthcare and support for women’s leadership. Raising awareness about gender equality is crucial for progress”, Dr. Arinze further emphasized
In her address, Mrs. Okekpolo Ogochuku, Director of the International Forum for Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG), emphasized the necessity for women to be positively motivated. She stressed that for women’s advancement to be accelerated, they must recognize and embrace their potential and contributions as crucial to national development.
“To ensure women’s inclusion, they need to be at the table. Count yourself in, attend meetings. Women often refrain from speaking, even during opening prayers, and they don’t volunteer to contribute. It is imperative for women to actively participate by offering their insights. Take note, ask questions, and prove the men wrong. The countries that prioritize women’s inclusion often boast the highest development indices. Invest in women. Invest in yourself. Your contribution is your inclusion. If you have something to offer, people will draw you in”, Mrs. Ogochukwu further said.
Similarly, Mrs. Clara Omoroh, Vice Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers – FIDA Warri Chapter, encouraged women to educate both their sons and daughters. She advocated for creating a gender-friendly environment where women and girls are viewed as agents of development rather than competitors.
The high point of the celebration was an empowerment initiative by the SSA, Chief Onakpoma who provided seed support to eight women and encouraged them to invest the funds into their businesses. This gesture emphasized the importance of embracing the moral lessons of the program. The recipients included Mariam Okpalefe from the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Miss Abulatan Oluwabusayomi from the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Ekokotu Esther from the National Council for Women Society (NCWO), Mrs. Oponi Ovoke from the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Tina Idiebise from Delta Women In Politics (DEWIP), and Mrs. Wegbere Bridget, also from the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
About the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization:
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization is dedicated to championing the rights and empowerment of women across our state. As the Senior Special Assistant, I am committed to advancing the interests of women and ensuring their voices are heard at all levels of government.
Our mission is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and contribute to the development of our society. We work closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to implement policies and programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by women.
Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we strive to promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and social justice for women. We believe that by investing in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we can build a more prosperous and equitable society for all.
At the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of women and girls. Join us as we continue our journey towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential.