Int’l Women’s Day: Enugu first lady to sustain empowerment programmes, advocates gender equality for development

The wife of the Enugu State Governor Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has pledged to sustain policies and programmes geared towards the development of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in the society.

Mrs Mbah gave the assurance during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day at the Michael Okpara Square Enugu, Saturday.

Mrs Mbah who was represented by the wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu stated that since the inception of the present administration in the State, it hasu continued to map out policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups, adding that the empowerment of women, girls and other vulnerable groups in education and vocational and other skill sets woukd be sustained.

She stated that women play pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the society, stressing that these groups should be provided with they required incentives to achieve their objectives.

She stated that the State government through the State’s Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has rescued victims of domestic based violence, provided succour to the vulnerable as well as those trapped by man made obstacles.

According to the governor’s wife, “we recognize the achievements of women in politics, education, business, health care, technology and beyond.

“It’s also a moment to highlight the challenges that remain such as discrimination, gender based violence, economic discrimination, business to leadership.

“As we join the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, this is a day of reflection, celebration, and most importantly, call to action in continuation of the achievements of women and girls in Enugu State and across the globe.

“This year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality and Empowerment. Accelerate Action”, reminds us of our responsibility to create a society where no woman or girl will be marginalized”, she stated.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Children Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Eni said that the International Women’s Day world over is aimed at commemorating the noble role women have played in the political, socio-economic development of the society, pointing out that in Enugu State under the present administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lot has been done to enhance the welfare of women, girls and other vulnerable groups, enjoining the people to avail themselves of these opportunities.

The occasion featured march pasts, educational talks on gender based violence and nutrition, traditional dances, distribution of food items to support families and award of honours to eminent dignitaries including the Wife of the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, Wife of the Nkanu East Local Government Chairman and Chairman of the ALGON, Mrs Rita Edeh, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, the SSA to the Enugu State Governor on Revenue, Adenike Okebu, and the Coordinator of the Enugu State Prayer Network, Dr. Favour Ugwuanyi.