By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Worldwide Organisation for Women Africa Incorporated (WOW Africa), Monday, urged economic empowerment of girl child, describing them as change agents for sustainable development.
The Chief Executive Officer, WOW Africa Incorporated, Chief Mrs Carol Ugochukwu, who stated this at third edition of her annual conference held at Awka, Anambra State under the theme, 'Building Equitable Futures: Women Capacities and Pathways', noted that women play multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators and entrepreneurs.
"Women are the backbone of our communities and play multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Their contributions are vital for the well-being and progress of our community.
"The girl child represents the future and promise of progress for any society. Empowering girls unleash their potentials as agents of change fostering economic growth, social stability and sustainable development," she said.
On her part, the WOW International President, Ms Nicholeen Peck, said the organisation was working to unite men and women, because according to her, they have power to nurture and make the best of the society.
Contributing, the Chairperson of the WOW Conversation 003 Committee, Mrs Benny Allison-Anene, observed that women needed equity and just society to thrive but they were majorly facing obstacles ranging from poor access to education, poor maternal health care, gender-based violence, and early child marriage.
"Let us recommit to the cause of building a strong family with good values, gender equity and empowerment of women and girls. Let us work together to break down barriers, promote education and support girls and women in achieving their full potentials," she said.
Other speakers, including the organisation's Board member, Attorney Amaka Akudinobi, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Professor Kate Omenugha and Professor Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto, urged men to stop every discrimination and stigmatisation of women for positive development.
Speaking on the topic, 'The Continued Non-domestication of CEDAW in Nigeria: A Critque', the Keynote Speaker, who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Anambra State, Prof Sylvia Chika Ifemeje observed that despite efforts of government, the female gender still suffers in Nigeria, pointing that nothing can be done except CEDAW is domesticated.
She called on Nigerian legislators to work towards representing and domesticating CEDAW and urged women and gender activists not to rest until the bill is domesticated to reduce the sufferings of women.
Earlier, the Southeast Coordinator, WOW Africa, Mrs Ethel Eruchalu, explained that the organisation was committed to pusting the frontiers of womanhood for the purpose of attaining a status where they could contribute at meaningful levels
with their male counterparts towards the societal development.
Major highlight of the event was presentation of three grinding machines to three lucky women after a draw.
Speaking to factcheckng, one of the winners, Miss Chinyere Mbonu commended WOW Africa for the kind gesture, assuring that she would remain a change agent and ambassador for women emancipation.