The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Edet Otu, has reaffirmed the administration's commitment to supporting women in governance, citing their strength, resilience, and impact on the State.
She gave the assurance during the women's empowerment and launching of Team Mma Adiaha Solidarity Movement customized uniform, at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
The Governor emphasized that women are nation builders, community stabilizers, and economic contributors, and pledged to ensure at least 30% representation of women in political offices and decision-making positions.
According to her, “Women nurture homes and extend that same care to communities, ensuring peace, unity and social cohesion. They are economic contributors and entrepreneurs, who sustain economies, create jobs, and drive innovations at all levels.”
“Women bring unique perspective to governance, ensuring policies are inclusive, compassionate and people centered. They are educators and mentors who even though teachers are needed, help shape the values, knowledge and future of the next generation,” she added, inferring that women are not just participants in society but contribute greatly to societal and human development.
Mrs Otu noted that, “despite these invaluable contributions, we recognize that women are still underrepresented in political leadership and governance. Today, I make a firm commitment to you that we will work intentionally to ensure that women occupy at least 30 % and beyond of political offices and decision-making positions in our State. We will achieve this through capacity building and leader development programmes for women.”
She promised that there will be advocacy for gender friendly policies, strategic appointment of qualified women into key positions, and creating platforms that amplify women voices in governance, noting that the future they envision is one where every woman has a seat at the table not as a token but as a value contributor.
The Governor's Wife appreciated every woman across the State for their unwavering support to the present administration, intimating that their prayers, votes, voices and daily sacrifices have contributed immensely to the stability, growth and success in the State, referring to them as the backbone of communities and silent architects of progress.”
Earlier in her address, the Director general, Team Mma Adiaha Solidarity Movement, and Commissioner for Social Welfare, Archbishop Margaret Ene Ita, informed that the unveiling of their customized uniform is more than just the presentation of fabric but a representation of “our identity, strength, and shared commitment as women determined to play meaningful roles in leadership, governance and community development."
"Women who believe that when we stand together with one voice, we can influence positive change in our society and inspire future generations of women to participate actively in politics and leadership," she added.
On the empowerment of women, she pointed out that “empowerment is the foundation upon which confidence, independence and leadership are built. By supporting women through empowerment initiatives, we are not only improving lives, we are strengthening families, communities and our society as a whole.”
Archbishop Ene Ita esteemed the Governor’s wife for her commitment to the advancement of Team Mma Adiaha and her passion for uplifting women across all levels of society, adding that through her support and encouragement, every woman has found a platform to grow. “Today’s event is yet another day testament to your beliefs that when women are empowered, society progresses,” she concluded.
In her welcome remark, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Public Relations Officer, Team Ma Adiaha Solidarity Movement, Dr. Virginia Ironbar informed that it is an "historic occasion of empowerment of women representatives across the State from Obanliku down to Bakassi in commemoration of the International Women Day and to lunch their customized uniform that embodies unity."
She added that the occasion was to also celebrate the vision of the Ma Adiaha Solidarity Movement and the face behind the movemen. She explained various humanitarian deeds and empowerment initiatives of the Governor's wife through her Humanity Without Borders NGO, giving the underprivileged in the State, especially women a name and a sense of belonging.
The event witnessed the presentation of cheques to 200 beneficiaries carefully selected across the 18 LGA with an admonishment to put the money to good use and for the benefit of their respective communities.
The Team Ma Adiaha Solidarity Movement is a socio-political women organization geared towards building a united and empowered community of women who actively contribute to social justice, political participation, economic development, and the overall progress of the society.
Esther Okoi
