Stakeholders have called for increased participation of women in governance, politics and entrepreneurship to enhance empowerment and inclusion in Nigeria.
The call was made at an event to mark the fifth anniversary of Abuja Women Dance in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event aimed to promote women’s healthcare and wellness, offering free medical and mental health checks, exercise sessions, training and empowerment talks.
Speaking at the event, Olori Dr Omolara Fashola-Macgregor, Queen of Orile Ilawo, said that with Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, women had continued to demonstrate the capacity to lead across public and private institutions.
She said women should be given more opportunities to take up leadership roles across all sectors of society.
“Starting from the home front, a woman is already a leader. She ensures the home is functional and leads naturally with efficiency and accountability.
“Women take responsibility and manage both people and resources effectively. They should come out more and engage in politics.
“As women, we can take on demanding responsibilities while still managing the home front and excelling in other roles. We must make ourselves visible and position ourselves for leadership,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Jophia Gupar, President and Founder of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, urged women to remain resilient and face life’s challenges positively.
She shared her experience of surviving cancer, emphasising the importance of positivity and support systems.
“When I wake up every day and see that I am alive, I am motivated to make the best use of the day.
“During my cancer journey, I realised the importance of having positive people around me. I believed I would survive, and I was constantly encouraged.
“I am happy that my story has inspired others to remain strong and hopeful,” she said.
In her remarks, Amb. Zainab Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Emerging Market Hub, called for stronger action to close gender inequality gaps in Nigeria.
Mohammed, who is also the convener of Abuja Women Dance, stressed that increased participation of women in governance was critical to achieving sustainable development and inclusive decision-making.
She described women as key drivers of development, with the potential to shape policies and initiatives that could move the country forward.
Similarly, Evelyn Onyilo, former National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), urged women to take deliberate steps towards leadership.
She said women must show interest in politics, build capacity and position themselves for strategic roles.
“Women will rescue this nation, but not without interest. We must prepare ourselves by attending leadership trainings, joining political parties and taking initiative.
“Women are natural leaders and must continue to build themselves across all sectors,” she said.
Jessica Lawrence, PRO Abuja women damce said the initiative which originally brought women together to excercise, stress out and become more confident and stronger in their individual strengths has also become an empowerment hub for women.
“Today is a remarkable event in the history of Abuja women dance as we mark our 5th Edition, it’s not just about bringing women to exercise, to learn and relearn,we are here for each other.
” We are not just a platform, we are a movement, and our main objective of gathering is to make them come out of their shell and we are also embarking on empowerment soon,we want to reach out to some of our members that are into small scale businesses and empower them.
” We are giving them financial support, raising sponsors from within us and outside , women should love themselves regardless and put themselves first in everything they do,they should speak out when they find themselves in any uncomfortable situations. find someone to talk to, this is a safe space for women.she added.
Highlights of the event included free medical tests, exercise sessions, mental health activities, dance and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
