As women in Rivers State join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, some of them said the present economic crunches is hitting them very hard. A cross section of the women who spoke with our reporters said apart from taking care of their homes, they also provide for their families, stressing that the task of performing dual responsibilities is grossly affecting their mental health. They further explained that women over stress themselves, they become the head of the family and also be the house wife and at the end, it boils down on their health.
On her part, the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers ( FIDA) in Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, said women are key players to society growth. She said this women’s day celebration is an opportunity to advocate for gender equality, women’s rights and the advancement of women in all sectors of the society. She revealed that this year’s theme emphasizes the importance of investing in women’s education, health, economic empowerment and leadership opportunity. She explained that by investing in women, women will not only be improved in their lives but also contribute to the overall development and prosperity of our society.
Speaking with our reporters, the women leader of the St. Peters Anglican Diocese, Rumuilumini, Port Harcourt, Happiness Ogbonda said that education and economic empowerment are necessary ingredients in tackling hardship in the society. She is also advocating equal economic and educational opportunities for women. Stating that when a woman is empowered educationally, economically, and all round, then that empowerment has also been extended to her children and as well improved on the society. She expressed sadness on how women are really struggling to keep the family going. She said in most families now, women are the bread winner. Mrs. Happiness Ogbonda however, appeal to the Federal Government to empower women. She said women should be given loan to go into business of their choice. Stating that policies should be made for easy access of loan and also scholarship should be given to women who are ready to learn to gain more knowledge so that they can as well be able to fend for their families.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara felicitates and congratulates women all over the world in their celebration of International Women’s Day describing them as unique creations and formidable assets blessed with the grace and capacity to foster peace and development in society.
Governor Fubara embraced the Rivers women for their unalloyed support to his administration and urged them to continue praying for the peace of the state, stating that they are the pillar on which development and peace of any society rest on. He promised that his administration shall always be committed to giving priority attention to women empowerment because of their active participation in governance in line with this year’s theme “To Inspire Inclusion” and slogan ‘ Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.
