March 09, (THEWILL) – Women all over the world have been urged to focus more on issues that have to do with gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against their gender.
Founder of Isioma Akamagwuna Foundation (IAF), Mrs Isioma Akamagwuna-Oghorada, gave the advice on Friday, during the celebration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) held at Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South LGA of Delta, with the theme: “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress”.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Akamagwuna-Oghorada pointed out that International Women’s Day is a reminder to all women that they can break barriers and accelerate equal opportunities for all women.
She emphasised that, to achieve this feat, women should begin to focus on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.
Explaining the significance of this year’s theme, Akamagwuna-Oghorada said, “We are reminded of the indispensable role that women play in advancing educational outcomes and in driving societal progress.”
By investing in women’s educational empowerment, the IAF founder said, “We are not only amplifying their voices but also paving the way for transformative change on our global scale.”
Some of the participants and beneficiaries of the empowerment programme applauded the Isioma Akamagwuna Foundation, just as they prayed for God’s blessing upon its founder.
A participant, Mrs Obianuju Usifoh, who spoke at the event, said, “The reason behind this initiative is that we are celebrating International Women’s Day. Because of the celebration, my sister, Isioma, deemed it fit to remember the women and make them understand that they are all celebrated. She has proven that she loves them and they equally appreciate her.
“The women who benefitted are more than 100 today. They were drawn from different walks of life because people have different needs. For instance, we have widows, business owners, weavers and farmers. Some business owners were given goods and provisions and items to replenish their stock while some were given equipment that would accelerate their kind of businesses. Others were given bags of rice, tomatoes, and cash, amongst others. What we gave depended on their needs.”
Also speaking at the event was the Principal of Ezemu Girls Grammar School (EGGS), Ubulu-Uku, Mrs Felicia Ebube. She applauded the Isioma Akamagwuna Foundation for the kind gesture.
Mrs Ebube, who assisted in presenting some of the cheques to the beneficiaries, prayed and thanked IAF for the empowerment initiative.
As part of activities marking the day, IAF gave out lots of gifts such as food items, cash, grinding machines, bags of rice, tomatoes, blenders, and provisions to some women at Ubulu Uku in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
