Amplifying the Voices of Rural Women in Decision-Making Spaces
As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, stakeholders in Nigeria have emphasized the need to amplify the voices of rural women in decision-making spaces.
Call to Action
The call was made at the 2025 IWD celebration organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, in collaboration with the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association in Abuja. Civil society organizations, rural women, and concerned Nigerians gathered to address the challenges faced by rural women and advocate for their inclusion in governance and policy formulation.
Event Highlights
The event, themed "Accelerate Action: Amplifying the Voices of Rural Women," highlighted the crucial role rural women play in national development and the importance of their participation in governance. Mrs. Bassey Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, stressed the importance of empowering rural women to ensure their voices were heard in decision-making processes. She noted that if things improved in rural areas, the entire nation would benefit, urging support for rural women to assert their rights.
Keynote Address
Mr. Luka Nizasaan III, Etsu of Kwali, in his keynote address, reiterated the vital role rural women play in sustaining families, local economies, and national food production. He emphasized that education and digital empowerment are crucial to unlocking opportunities for rural women and called for action to amplify their voices in decision-making spaces.
Solidarity and Support
Ms. Grace Ike, the Chief host and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council, called for solidarity among women to drive change. She encouraged all to continue working together in unity, raising their voices as agents of change. As part of efforts to support rural women, two beneficiaries were presented with N50,000 each in cash support.
Conclusion
The IWD 2025 celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of amplifying the voices of rural women in decision-making spaces. It is crucial that we work together to empower rural women, provide them with opportunities for participation in governance, and address their concerns. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
FAQs
Q: What is the theme of IWD 2025?
A: The theme is "Accelerate Action: Amplifying the Voices of Rural Women."
Q: Who organized the IWD 2025 celebration?
A: The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, in collaboration with the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association.
Q: What was the main call made at the celebration?
A: The main call was to amplify the voices of rural women in decision-making spaces.
Source: nannews.ng
