Nigerian women urged to Break Barriers as Ondo Delegates Shines at Global Summit
By Roseline Okakah
Nigerian women have been urged to challenge societal norms, break stereotypes, and pursue leadership with courage and unity.
This call came as five members of the Ondo State chapter of the StandUp for Women Society (SWS) received seven prestigious awards for their outstanding contributions to women’s leadership and development. at the 4th International Conference and Summit if the organisation, held recently in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Alhaja Rafat Momoh, current Chairperson of the Ondo chapter, and her predecessor, Lib. Olori Olusola Babalola, received two awards each. Other recipients included Lib. Jayeola Olubunmi, Lib. Amao Comfort Oluwatoyin, and Lib. Bolanle Oke, while Lib. Olufunke Ogidan was honoured with a certificate.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, delivered a keynote address on the theme: “From Potential to Powerhouse: Equipping Women to Elevate and Thrive” urging women to challenge societal norms and support one another.
She emphasised the importance of resilience, female mentorship, and grassroots advocacy while reflecting on her personal journey from civil servant to politician, describing it as a testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of female solidarity.
“I am the first woman from my local government to hold this position,” she proudly stated. “I didn’t just get here—I fought through cultural and political bias, through stereotypes, and I stood firm. I am not breaking calamities—I am breaking records.”
As Chairperson of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs, Health, and other sectors, she reminded attendees that women must not only fight for space in politics, business, and leadership but must also uplift one another in the process.
Speaking further on the conference’s broader theme, “From Protection to Powerhouse: Women, the Elite, and the Child,” she emphasised the need for women to move beyond the notion of being protected, and instead take central roles as decision-makers, mentors, and changemakers in society.
“We must amplify our voices,” she said. “We need to support each other—in our businesses, our homes, our communities. Elevation begins when we listen to and lift one another.”
The Deputy Speaker, who narrated her personal struggles in politics, encouraged women to step into leadership roles regardless of societal resistance.
“I was up against several men, and people said I shouldn’t even try. But I told them, if a man can do it, I can do it too. Politics is not about gender—it’s about capacity.”
She challenged women to be the change they seek, starting from their own homes and communities, and highlighted how societal and religious biases often begin at the grassroots level—sometimes perpetuated by women themselves.
“When women stand and speak, fellow women should not ask, ‘What is she even saying?’ We must learn to listen, support, and celebrate each other. That is how we will change the narrative.”
She also called on women to mentor younger girls, volunteer, and collaborate with NGOs and community organisations to promote inclusiveness, education, and empowerment for the next generation.
One particularly emotional moment came when she shared the story of her mother, who pursued her education while raising children—sitting for exams even as her daughter prepared for WAEC. “That is determination,” she said. “We must never give up on our dreams.”
Taking a firm stance on the importance of mutual respect and unity among women, she advised them to value and respect themselves in order to avoid being taken advantage of by men.
Earlier, in her welcome speech, the International President of StandUp for Women, Lib. (Barr.) Mrs Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, urged women to uphold determination, transparency, and accountability as the three major pillars for a successful life.
Adetona advised women to equip themselves in all aspects of life to become somebody of substance, rather than pulling others down.
While affirming that women must take their rightful place in society, she encouraged them never to be discouraged, and to avoid compromising their dignity no matter the challenges they face.
The occasion witnessed the attendance of country representatives from Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Liberia, Gambia, Zambia, South Africa, and many others.
