The program’s focus on ‘The Bane of Gender Bias; and the Need to Restore Balance in the Society’ underscored SWEF’s dedication to uplifting and empowering women in the southern region, enabling them to achieve their full potential and contribute to community development.

Dr. Helen Adebakin, in her capacity as National President, commenced her address by underscoring the imperative to confront gender bias, a pervasive issue that has plagued our society for an extended period.

She observed that gender bias, with its numerous insidious manifestations, has prevented generations of women and girls from achieving their full potential, thereby denying them opportunities, suppressing their voices, and restricting their liberty.

“But today, as we stand together united in our mission for empowerment and equality, we declare that enough is enough. It is time to restore balance in our society”, she hinted.

The keynote speaker, Olori Atuwatse III, represented by Chief Mrs. Ebiyemi Omaseye, the Olujimi of Warri Kingdom, praised the National President and her team for their efforts in promoting investments in women and driving progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

In the same context, the panellists, including Chief Emma Agbaduba, PDP Vice-chairman, Delta South Senatorial District; Ogochukwu Okekpolo-FSM, Pioneer Director, International Forum for Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas, Delta State Chapter; Barr. Mrs. Ogechi Megbele, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Delta State Chapter; and Ayo Okotie, Executive Director, Neferok Development Initiative, highlighted the significance of parental responsibilities and took reflective actions to pinpoint key focus areas for enhancing the prospects of women.

Dr. Linda Eya Ikpuri, State Coordinator, also reaffirmed her readiness to lead programs and activities that foster women’s empowerment, gender equality, and social progress, in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities.

She expressed gratitude to HRM Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, who was the sole sponsor of the empowerment segment of the program.

The event comprised a lecture series and messages from state actors and industry leaders on how women can engage in small-scale trades and skills to augment their income sources and make substantial contributions to their families’ maintenance.

At the inauguration event, His Excellency Barr. Dcn Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, and Her Excellency Tobore Oborovwori, wife of the Delta State Governor, were conferred with the distinguished roles of Grand Patron and Grand Matron of the Delta State Chapter of Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF).

The gathering featured notable personalities, such as Dcn. Chris Iyovwaye, Managing Director of Wellman Group of Companies and owner of ‘The Monarchy’ Event Centre, who acted as Patron, and Chief Shimite Love, Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Trade and Investment, who took on the role of Matron.

Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post SWEF Launches Delta State Branch, Bolsters Indigenous Women’s Empowerment first appeared on ihrc.news.

Nigeria: The Special Monitoring Mission International Human Rights Commission (SMM IHRC) urged educational institutions to adopt the national gender policy in embracing equality and a safe digital environment for girls. The call was made by Fidelis Onakpoma during the special event of the 2023 International Women’s Day organized by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ughelli North Local Government Chapter at Ughelli Delta State.

Fidelis added that when women have access to safe digital platforms, they build communities that can change the world. Also, Comrade Oloche Peter Anyebe, SMM member in Delta State asserted that there is a need for women to be given equal opportunity to contribute to achieving sustainable development in society.

The opening remark by Chief (Mrs.) Betty Onakpoma, the NULGE Chairperson in Ughelli North Local Government Chapter, expressed that women are marginalized, oppressed, and violated, emphasizing that, the poor representation of women in science and technology has been a major social development issue since inception.

She maintained that the central role of women in society has ensured the stability, progress, and long-term development of Nations, urging civil society organizations, private sectors, and other stakeholders to support global action in creating a safe digital environment for women and girls.

The meeting has in attendance;
-The Executive Chairman of the Ughelli North Local Government Council is ably represented by his Executive Secretary.

-HRM Queen Elizabeth of the Great Ughelli Kingdom.

• Representative of the Council First Lady

-Head of Departments of the Council

• Market Women Association

-Members of the International Human Rights Commission ( Special Monitoring Missions) Delta State chapter, Uzama Marvelous, Oloche Sonia, Oyibo Courage, Odiri Moses, Oghenefevwe Gideon, others.

Reported:
Comrade Oloche Peter Anyebe
IHRC SMM, Delta State.

Editorial:
Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Editor-in-Chief Worldwide.

The post 2023 Women’s Day: We want Gender-responsive Education, More women in the Tech Industry-IHRC first appeared on ihrc.news.