As the world continues to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), a nonprofit organization, SieDi Hub, in marking its 3rd anniversary, has moved to improve the quality of life in underserved communities by promoting social justice, healthcare and sustainable enterprise.
Committed to social impact with a renewed mission to transform the standard of living in communities, SieDi Hub remains steadfast in its mission to inspire change, empower communities and drive long-term solutions for a better future.
Speaking at the event, held in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital, the SieDi Hub representative and Trustee Treasurer, Enyioma Ndukwe Orji, said the theme of the 2025 IWD celebration entitled,”Accelerate Action on Women Leadership: A Policy Dialogue,” was apt, as it emphasized the urgency of advancing gender equality and inclusive development.
Orji noted that the yearly event usually affords SieDi Hub, a women and youth-focused organization based on Abia, to address challenges posed by technological advancements, including digital safety, through research, advocacy, policy engagements, and direct interventions.
According to the organization’s Trustee treasurer, the organization collaborates with youth, international partners, government Ministries, Department and Agencies, civil society and the media for impactful outcomes.
She noted that since inception of the organization, it has been a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to bridge gaps in essential services and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, adding that the milestone anniversary served as a reminder of the power of collective action in building a more just and equitable society.
Delivering her keynote address, the keynote Speaker and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof Ursula Akanwa, advocated for women to be empowered so they could fully utilize their potentials.
Prof Akanwa insisted that there was need for a change of perception if leadership must be redefined.
She emphasized that leadership must transcend outdated norms that hinder women’s participation in leadership roles. She further stated that leadership begins at home, asserting that if women could effectively manage household responsibilities, then, they could equally take up leadership positions.
“Everyone has a role to play in accelerating action, and the time for that action is now,” she urged.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Abia State and the founder of Vicar Hope Foundation, commended SieDi Hub for fostering a strong network of women and implementing transformative initiatives that empower women, children, and vulnerable groups.
They highlighted the importance of creating a more prosperous society by enhancing women’s economic status, which, in turn, helps combat gender-based violence, dismantle barriers, and amplify women’s voices.
The representatives stressed that the call for accelerating action is a shared responsibility, urging critical stakeholders to help implement the Abia State Gender Policy. Additionally, they encouraged women to develop valuable skills and invest in profitable ventures to secure their economic independence.
In his Goodwill message, the Abia State Director of National Orientation Agency(NOA), Comrade Victor Orji, congratulated SieDi Hub on its 3rd anniversary and the 2025 International Women’s Day conference.
He stated that the 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action on Women Leadership: A Policy Dialogue,” serves as a vital call to enhance policies that promote inclusivity, equality and sustainable development.
According to him, women’s leadership is not just a goal, but a necessity for societal progress, commending SieDi Hub for providing the platform to champion meaningful change, as well as, gathering impactful solutions for a more inclusive future.
He reiterated that the National Orientation Agency (NOA), remained dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for gender equality and social justice, aligning with SieDi-Hub’s mission. “We acknowledge the crucial role women play in community development, governance, and entrepreneurship, and we support policies that strengthen their leadership potential. As we engage in these discussions, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering an environment where women and youth can thrive, innovate, and lead”.
During the panel discussions on Gender-Responsive Policies and Economic Empowerment, the Speakers emphasized the need for increased opportunities for women to bridge the leadership gap.
The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chilaka, who participated in the panel discussion, highlighted the ongoing evolution of the Nigerian Police Force. She emphasized that the force has become more gender-sensitive compared to the past. Chilaka also informed the group about the NPF Gender Policy, which promotes inclusivity by enabling women to attain top ranks, ensuring a 30% recruitment quota for women and introducing other progressive changes.
The event also included presentations from the Nwanyibuihe Project on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the official launch of Nwanyibuihe Community Project 2.0. As part of the empowerment initiative, selected women received a cheque of ₦100,000 as business startups. The celebration concluded with the cutting of the 3rd anniversary cake by members of SieDi Hub.
