As part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Womens’ Day Celebration with the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Office of Wife of Governor has organised a city walk as a way to create awareness and sensitize Cross Riverians on women inclusivity in every facet of the society.
Speaking at the walk which commenced at the Ndidem Usang Iso Road and terminated at the Women Development Centre, Parliamentary Road, Calabar, the Wife of the State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu reiterated that women are at the front burner of every empowerment initiative geared towards the development of women.
The Governor’s wife who was represented by the Special Assistant Non Governmental Organisation, Office of the Wife of Governor, Mr. Jeffery Adamade maintained that her office is interested in the growth, development and aspiration of women including the vulnerable and those with disability, adding that the inclusivity of women in politics and other sectors of the economy is important.
Speaking earlier, the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom inferred that women have the voting strength and should be given more opportunity in politics. She stated that “elections are coming and we want to have eighteen Women Local Government Chairmen and we are confident that the Governor is ready to give more women opportunity in governance,” urging women to come out in their numbers and support other women vying for elective positions.
Hon. Irom opined that the 35% affirmative for women in politics has not been fully implemented, stating that it is essential that women are included in decision making processes in boardrooms across the various sectors of the economy. She advocated for women rights to say NO to rape and all issues confronting them, challenging them to participate actively in politics.
Giving their remarks, a representative of Women Parliament and the Special Assistant to the Governor, Liaison Office Lagos, Mrs. Esther Joseph Bepeh and the President of the Naval Officers Wives Association, Cross River State Branch, Mrs. Zipela Noah stated that women inclusivity in women starts from the home to community before entering into government. They pointed out that women nurture and multiply whatever has been given to them, adding that the government in power is one that is ready to hear the voice of women and support initiatives to better their lives.
Also lending their voices to inspiring women for inclusion, the leader of the Yoruba Women Community in Cross River State, Hon. Adejoke Oyeleye mentioned that the place of women is no longer in the bedroom and urged women to be patient and steadfastly support the Cross River State Government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Women Association, Cross River State Branch, Dr. Minika Higgin Okon stated that more women are needed in governance especially in positions of decision making, stating that if women are not there, society and family would not be taken seriously, adding that women are needed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Giving a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affair, Dr. Mary Theresa Agede Ebe appreciated all the partners and those who supported the 2024 International Women Day celebration. She encouraged women organisation to come out in occasions like this to celebrate themselves.
Other partners involved in the city walk include: Save the Children International, Ogoja Field Office; UNHCR; Red Cross, Gender Development Action (GADA); Young Women with Disabilities Initiative; among others.
Esther Okoi
