NAWOJ Anambra Celebrates IWD with Calls for Empowerment and Reciprocity
By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) observed International Women's Day at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, with participation from various women's organizations, including the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nwanne Di Na Mba, National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS), Old Girls of New Era, Ikporo Onitsha Association Awka Branch, Nigeria Girl Guides Association, Nigeria, Catholic Women Organisation, Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria, and several others, under the sponsorship of Lovebite Bread.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the occasion, Barrister Oge Ekweozor a celebrated female achiever, highlighted the 2026 theme, "Give to Gain," as a call for reciprocity and support. "When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities for women increase," she said. "Giving is not subtraction; it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise." She urged contributions through donations, knowledge, resources, advocacy, education, mentoring, or time to build a supportive world.
Barrister Ekweozor lauded NAWOJ for exemplifying leadership through service, characterizing true leaders as humble and unassuming. She applauded the organization's efforts in mobilizing women and acknowledging achievements, stating that the event sought to enhance women's understanding of their roles in society. Describing journalists as humble servants who inform, educate, and enlighten, she urged women to emulate Christ's example, embody good values, reject pride, and remain grounded.
In her welcome address, NAWOJ Anambra Chairperson Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika celebrated women breaking barriers and claiming their voices. "Women's stories inspire courage, motivation, and empowerment," she said. Aligning with the theme "Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls- Give to Gain," she emphasized that uplifting women benefits everyone. The event honored remarkable women excelling in various fields, offering insights, mentorship, resilience, and perseverance to others not to lament or demand, but to inspire and affirm women's right to celebration.
Comrade Ifejika also commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for entrusting women with key cabinet roles, proving his belief in their potential.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University Awka and pioneering female Professor of Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, presented a keynote address underscoring the socio-cultural and religious impediments to women's active engagement in Nigerian politics and leadership.
Prof. Okunna stressed that it is imperative for women to persist and leverage existing opportunities to attain success, encouraging them to assert themselves in politics and beyond, reject dependence on external approval, and acknowledge their ability to support one another and occupy leadership roles.
In her remarks, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Anambra State Council, Lady Eucheria Uyawnne, encouraged women to stand firm and believe in themselves.
Also, Chairperson of Federation of Muslim women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Anambra State Chapter, Hajia Maryam, echoed the call to action, advising women to "march out and claim their rights adding that the era of sitting at home is over."
Awards were presented to notable individuals, including the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, and the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha. The event featured music, cake-cutting, and award presentations.