Women have called on government at all levels, corporate bodies, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) among other stakeholders to partner with them in the empowerment of women and girls in the society.
The President, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Women Association (MOUAUWA), Dr. (Mrs) Nkechinyere Nkem Iwe who disclosed this during an event to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day in the University recently, noted that the body has erected Skills Acquisition Centre to train and equip women and girls in the host communities, alleviate poverty through wealth creations among others.
MOUAUWA President, Dr. Mrs. Nkechinyere Nkem Iwe
This, she said would uplift the well-being of girls and women and reposition them for their fair share in the society.
The wife of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) Vice Chancellor (VC) revealed that the VC, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe has approved the renovation of MOUAUWA Daycare Centre built 11 years ago, where staff and other women of child bearing age keep their children while at work.
Dr. Iwe who listed the association’s needs to include the installation/finishing works on the skill acquisition centre, and a coaster bus to enable them carry out their duties to the people effectively.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the event and the wife of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Dr. Bola Njoku who described women as great people, called for an enabling environment/system for women to excel.
In her words: “There is no limit to what women can achieve. All they need is cooperation among themselves and adequate support from the system to achieve their goals.
The keynote speaker and the wife of the former Governor of Ebonyi state, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Eunice Ukamaka Egwu described this year’s theme: ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ as apt, stating that equal and fair treatment for all genders are possible, decrying that the society and its cultural bias against female gender has relegated women to the background.
The former Ebonyi state first lady, called for a fair opportunity for women to showcase their ingenuity and contribute towards nation building.
Fielding questions from newsmen, the Director, Gender and Child Development, MOUAU, Dr. (Mrs) Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka has expressed displeasure that women in Nigeria with all their great potentials and intellectual prowess are yet to get their fair in the society.
She condemned the National Assembly’s rejection of bills seeking gender equality, describing it as a setback to women development and nation building.
Dr. Onwuka urged governments at all levels to prioritize women affairs, adding that no nation can make sustainable progress without the women folk.
In his vote of thanks, the MOUAU VC, Prof. Iwe, congratulated MOUAUWA for commemorating the 2022 International Women’s Day in a special way while suing for a peaceful and progressive environment to achieve more.
He added that the university would continue to support women at all levels to excel in the various endeavours.
