International Women’s Day: NAWOJ, FIDA, MWAN lead sensitisation walk, advocate women’s empowerment
In commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), the Ondo State chapters of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) have called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes.
The organisations embarked on a sensitisation walk from Adegbemile to NEPA Market in Akure, engaging market women on the significance of self-care and the need to speak out against societal challenges.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chairperson of NAWOJ, B Zone, Comrade Adeola Adekunle, described this year’s IWD as a call to action for women to break barriers and foster unity.
She urged women to desist from pulling one another down, emphasising that solidarity is crucial in the quest for gender equality.
The Ondo State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Tola Gbadamosi, stressed the importance of unlocking the potential of girls and women to achieve societal equity.
Comrade Gbadamosi stated that adequate representation and participation of women would pave the way for gender equality and parity.
She encouraged women to report any form of abuse, assuring them that NAWOJ would continue to expose perpetrators of violence against women.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of FIDA, Bolanle Olafunmiloye, reaffirmed the commitment of the three organisations to raising awareness of women’s rights and empowering them to take charge of their lives.
She further explained that the collaboration between FIDA, NAWOJ, and MWAN is designed to provide holistic support to women. While FIDA offers legal aid, MWAN provides free medical and psychological services for victims, and NAWOJ ensures that critical information reaches the public.
President of the Women-led NGOs in Ondo State, Ambassador Foluke Esan, urged women to speak up and make their voices heard, asserting that they are in an era of negotiation.
She advised them to prioritise their health, invest in their well-being, and seek support when faced with challenges.
The sensitisation walk served as a platform to encourage women to take proactive steps in safeguarding their rights and well-being.
