Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority
By Joan Nwagwu
The Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Women Commission, Mrs. Sandra Ogbonna, has urged women to take deliberate steps towards leadership through proactive action rather than waiting for opportunities.
Leadership Positions Must Be Actively Pursued
Ogbonna made this call at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration with the theme "Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority" in Abuja on Saturday. She stated that leadership positions must be actively pursued, as they are not freely given.
Breaking Self-Imposed Limitations
Ogbonna noted the persistent gender gap in leadership, noting that in spite of women’s contributions, decision-making spaces remain dominated by men. She called on women to equip themselves with knowledge, support one another, challenge barriers, and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusivity.
Urging Women to Engage in Governance and Politics
"We must break self-imposed limitations and take our rightful place in leadership," she said, encouraging women to engage in governance and politics. She also urged members of the TUC Women’s Commission to participate actively in discussions and decision-making processes.
The Importance of Resilience and Leadership
The Secretary of the Commission, Uche Ukachukwu, underscored the importance of resilience and leadership in advancing women’s empowerment. She stressed that women’s achievements must never be overlooked.
The Need for Intentional Support
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT council, Grace Ike, called on women to be intentional in supporting one another, stressing that mere lip service will not drive progress in gender parity. She proposed initiatives such as legislative advocacy, gender-sensitive laws, and lobbying for special seats for women in political and decision-making spaces.
The Importance of Mentorship and Grassroots Economic Empowerment
Ike also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment. "It is not about having millions. Have you given a woman ₦20,000 to start a petty trade? Have you given ₦5,000 to help someone start a small recharge card business? These are the real actions that change lives," she argued.
The Need for Action-Driven Movement
Ike called for a new, action-driven movement, suggesting that the phrase "women supporting women" might be too long and instead advocating for "She for She" as a rallying call. "At the current rate, gender parity will not be achieved until 2158. This delay is unacceptable. We must act decisively. Enough of the talk—let’s make women’s support intentional and impactful," she declared.
Conclusion
The article highlights the importance of women taking proactive steps towards leadership, breaking self-imposed limitations, and engaging in governance and politics. It also emphasizes the need for intentional support, mentorship, and grassroots economic empowerment. The call for an action-driven movement and the importance of accelerating change are also stressed.
FAQs
Q: What is the theme of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration?
A: "Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority"
Q: Who is the Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Women Commission?
A: Mrs. Sandra Ogbonna
Q: What is the persistent gender gap in leadership?
A: The persistent gender gap in leadership is the fact that decision-making spaces remain dominated by men, despite women’s contributions.
Q: What is the call to action for women?
A: The call to action for women is to take deliberate steps towards leadership through proactive action, rather than waiting for opportunities.
