By Joy Salami
The Women Committee of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi State, joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD), highlighting the urgency of gender equity and empowerment.
The event, held on March 13, reinforced the need for greater inclusion of women in leadership, economic growth, and decision-making processes.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Kogi State Council Women Committee of the NLC, Comrade Habibat Ibrahim, explained that while International Women’s Day is globally marked on March 8, the celebrations often extend throughout the month. This, she said, allows for broader engagement, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.
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She stated that the theme adopted by Kogi NLC Women Committee, “March for Women and Girls for Equity and Empowerment,” reflects the critical need to uplift women across all spheres of life.
Equity is about ensuring that every woman and girl has equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights without discrimination. It’s not just about treating men and women the same, it’s about recognising the specific barriers women face and removing them, she said.
She stressed that empowerment is central to achieving equity, as women must be given the necessary support, skills, and opportunities to excel.
“Women should not be restricted by outdated stereotypes. Whether in the workplace, leadership, or education, no one should be held back because of gender. We must push for policies and initiatives that actively empower women and girls to take up space in all sectors”. she added.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola, who graced the occasion, reaffirmed the importance of women taking deliberate steps toward their own advancement.
Gender equity is not just an ideal; it must translate into action. Women must step up, speak out, and actively push for fairness in employment, leadership roles, and policy-making. The time to wait is over, the time to act is now, she urged.
She emphasised that closing the gender gap requires intentional and bold actions, including greater political participation, increased access to economic empowerment programs, and stronger legal protections for women.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, reaffirmed the Kogi State Government’s dedication to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment.
“The government understands the essential role women play in governance, economic growth, and community development. That’s why we are committed to increasing women’s representation in leadership and providing empowerment programs. We will continue to support initiatives that promote women’s progress,” Comrade Edoka assured.
He also commended the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Ododo for her ongoing efforts in distributing palliatives and rolling out empowerment initiatives, particularly for widows and vulnerable women.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the NLC, Comrade Amari Gabriel, highlighted women’s growing influence in the labour movement.
In his words, “Women are breaking barriers in the labour force. In my own union, the Medical and Health Workers Union, we now have at least five women in leadership positions. But we need more. I encourage unions that have yet to establish women committees to do so. Women must not just be included; they must lead”.
He acknowledged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for building on the foundation laid by former Governor Yahaya Bello, which saw an increase in women’s representation in governance.
Delivering a keynote address, Comrade Mrs. Eunice Abimbola, a resource person at the event, identified education, economic empowerment, technology inclusion, and security as major drivers of gender equality.
“For true empowerment, we must start with education. Every girl must have access to quality education because it forms the foundation for success. Beyond that, women need economic independence, access to financial resources, and active participation in the tech sector to remain competitive in today’s world,” she noted.
She also expressed concern over gender-based violence, a major threat to women’s progress.
“A young girl who is a victim of sexual violence and forced out of school loses her opportunity for empowerment. We must ensure that policies protect women and girls, creating a safe environment for them to thrive,” she added.
The Kogi State NLC Women Committee’s celebration of International Women’s Day reinforced that equity and empowerment are not mere slogans, they require action. The event served as a strong call to government bodies, labour unions, and civil society to work together to create an environment where women have equal opportunities to contribute and lead.
With a resolute commitment to “March for Women and Girls for Equity and Empowerment,” the event underscored the need for women to step forward, claim their rightful place in society, and break every barrier standing in their way.
