By Naomi Sharang/Angela Atabo
The National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian women to rise, organise and take their rightful place in leadership and national development.
Speaking at a marketplace advocacy programme organised by NAWOJ FCT branch at Wuse Market, Abuja on Thursday Ibrahim, described the outreach as more than a symbolic engagement, calling it a “declaration” of a new era where women’s voices will no longer be ignored.
She emphasised the critical role women play in sustaining families and driving the economy, while lamenting their continued exclusion from key decision-making processes.
Ibrahim declared the marketplace a frontline for advocacy, insisting that issues affecting women must be addressed with urgency.
“We cannot continue to tolerate a system where women are central to development, yet peripheral in decision-making.
“We cannot normalise a reality where women face violence and are told to endure.”
Ibrahim condemned gender-based violence, limited access to healthcare and barriers to economic opportunities, urging women to reject silence and demand their rights.
She also stressed the need for increased female participation in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that women must move beyond participation to leadership and influence.
“We are not preparing to participate; we are preparing to influence, to lead and to win,” she said.
The NAWOJ president further highlighted the role of women journalists in shaping national narratives, noting that collective action among women could redefine Nigeria’s future.
Also speaking at the event, Chairperson NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ikpang, outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at improving women’s welfare.
She said these include capacity-building programmes, free cancer screening for 200 women in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partnerships to expand access to health information and services, particularly in underserved communities.
“We have taken these initiatives to both urban and rural communities because many women, especially in rural areas, lack access to information and opportunities.
“By engaging them directly, we allow them to ask questions, gain knowledge and understand where and when they can access support services.
“A key part of our mission is empowering women with practical skills and knowledge.
“We want women to understand the small but meaningful steps they can take to improve their lives.
“From our research, many gender-based challenges arise because women lack economic opportunities.
“When women are financially empowered, they are better positioned to contribute to decision-making in their homes and communities.
“That is why we are here to engage, to listen and to support women in becoming self-reliant. When a woman can provide for herself and her children, she gains confidence and a stronger voice in society”.
A public health expert and convener of ‘Five Million Women Database’, Dr Ejike Oji, said the platform would provide women with access to healthcare information, business support and financial opportunities such as grants and low-interest loans.
He also addressed misconceptions about vaccines, urging women to take advantage of free vaccination services available at government hospitals.
Some market women who participated in the programme expressed appreciation for the initiative.
Chairperson Hair Braiders Association, Wuse Market, canopy section, Mrs Celina Akwete, said the advocacy visit by NAWOJ has increased their awareness on health, access to financial support and renewed hope for economic empowerment.
She pledged the association’s readiness to support policies and programmes that promote women’s development and representation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NNL/ATAB/FEO
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
