By Special Correspondent

The wife of the governor of Enugu state Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has charged women to invest on self in readiness to inclusion opportunities.

Mrs Mbah stated this at an event organized by the Women Committee, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Enugu state to commemorate 2024 International Women’s Day.

Mrs Mbah represented by Dr. Uzoamaka Okenwa said “the greatest mission of Her Excellency 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 he 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. She also said.

The Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Children and Social Development Enugu state, Mrs Ngozi Enih on the other hand 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”.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Nkechi Ewoh continued “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 commit 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.”

Also from the ministry of Labour and productivity, Mr Romans Eze who represented the commissioner said “I want to thank the organizers of this event and state that we must not forget the importance of women in 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, he added

He maintained that for the governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to have appointed women as commissioners and members of the state executive council, demonstrated the importance of empowering and including women in our society.

“In addition, We must work together to create a society where everyone is respected and valued, regardless of gender.”

The NLC Chairman Enugu state, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo in a speech 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.”

In a paper presentation on Inspire Inclusion by Investing on Women Workers, The lead paper presenter, Barr. Nnenna Anozie said “Today, I am honored to be part of this special event, International Women’s Day by Women Committee NLC Enugu state, as we celebrate the progress that women have made and continue to make. 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.”

She continued “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. “

“So let’s talk about ways that women can build capacity and inspire inclusion. First, it’s important to have a strong support system – whether that’s through family, friends, or a mentor. A support system can provide encouragement, advice, and a shoulder to lean on when things get tough. Second, I believe that women should take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. That could mean going back to school, attending workshops and conferences, or reading books and articles. It’s important to be open-minded and willing to learn new things. And third, women should network with other like-minded individuals so as to prepare themselves for better opportunities ahead”

“Along with building a support system and taking advantage of opportunities to learn and grow, I believe that networking with other women is also essential. Networking can provide access to mentors, resources, and even job opportunities. It’s also a great way to build relationships and learn from others. There are many ways to network, they include attending events, joining professional organizations and using social media. By doing these things, women can build capacity and inspire inclusion in a powerful way.”

In a related development, Barr. Sylvia Abana who presented another paper on Relevant Women in the Millennium said women need empowerment now than ever.

According to Sylvia, ”women’s rights are important issue that need to be addressed”. She believes that women should have the same opportunities as men, and that they should be treated with respect and dignity. She also admits that women should have a voice in the political process, and that their opinions should be heard.

“I believe that policies that promote women’s rights will lead to a more just and equitable society.”

Women have a unique perspective to offer, and their voices should be heard in all areas of society. She added.

Sylvia Abana as a strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment believes that when women are given the opportunity to earn a living and contribute to the economy, they are able to become more independent and self-sufficient. She further stated that this, in turn, can lead to a number of positive outcomes, including improved living standards, reduced poverty, and increased social stability.

She equally used the opportunity to encourage women to report every cases of abuse to appropriate quarters and ensure perpetrators are charged with Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) Law

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.

“It’s worth noting that the message of empowerment and self-improvement is not just for women in the Muslim community, but for all women everywhere. In today’s world, women face many challenges and barriers, but they also have the potential to achieve great things.”

She continued “By supporting each other, lifting each other up, and working together, women can create a better future for themselves and for their communities. This is a message that should be shared and celebrated by everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.”

Earlier in a welcome address, the chairperson NLC Women Committee Enugu state, Comrade Ugwu Rosemary U. said “today as we gather to celebrate the International Women’s Day, we stand on the shoulders of countless courageous women who have paved the way for progress and equality to challenge the status quo and create a world where every woman and girl can win this discrimination and inequality.

Some of the organizations in attendance included Nigeria Union of Journalist Enugu represented by the state Secretary, Dame 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 chichi Ogbu and Nigeria Union of Pensioners Enugu state led by Comrade Ikechukwu Ekere.

Our correspondent reports that the event which was held at Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Press Center Enugu had the theme “Inspire Inclusion.”

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