By Emmanuel Ndukuba
Awka, March 6, 2024 – Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka lecturer, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has commended the free maternal services of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state.
Ikechebelu, a professor of gynaecology, made the commendation on Thursday during the summit of All for Women Initiative Nigeria (A-WIN) held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, Awka, the state capital.
Commending the Soludo administration for the initiative, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the university, said that such was the type of empowerment women should be given in a 21st century society.
Ikechebelu assured that the era of barren women in the society had gone, noting that even at 60 years and above a woman could still have a child through scientific methods.
He said what women in modern society would need were education, economic empowerment and general knowledge.
Speaking, a former Minister of Women’s Affairs, Iyom Josephine Aneni called for equality, fairness and justice for women.
She regretted the “second fiddle” treatment of women by society, especially by politicians, stressing that it was high time women got up to be counted, despite the odds.
She said, “You have to stand up and take your stand. We can’t sit back and wait for invitation to contribute your quota. I’m happy it’s part of our discussions.
“We’re tired of politicians stomach infrastructure. They give us sewing and grinding machines, yet no light , no fuel to operate them.
“The empowerment we want is education, economic emancipation and enabling environment to reach our Zenith.
“We’re also asking for equity, fairness, justice and equal opportunity. If there’s appointment, it should be 50-50 men and women. Women must have to catch up.
Aneni frowned at what she called absentee fathers, calling on husbands to rise up to their responsibilities as heads of families for balanced children upbringing, adding “Women cannot raise a balanced home, financially, psychologically, emotionally and otherwise.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo, for her part, thanked the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adeoye Aderemi for ensuring accelerated handling of criminal matters in the state.
She also appreciated the Chief magistrate in charge of Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in the statefor her expedient handling of cases, saying her unbiased disposition of justice had contributed in reducing cases of violence against women and children in the state.
In her address, the President/Founder All for Women Initiative Nigeria (A-WIN), Mrs Stella Igboka, called on women to brace up for the challenges of the time.
She said, “All for Women Initiative Nigeria, with the acronym A-WIN was founded and conceptualized based on my natural burning desires and that of my team, to make indelible marks and positive difference in the lives of Women, the Girl Child and the Vulnerable in our Society in simple, but result-oriented ways.
“A-WIN thrives on a collaborative philosophy for All to come together for the upliftment and development of Women; and so, A-WIN is designed as a Win Win approach for both Gender, for all Professions, for Children, for Youths and for Adults to support Women to succeed.
“It is a platform, umbrella and rallying point for all hands to be on deck for the advancement and empowerment of Women through Advocacy and hands-on deck projects.
“A-WIN is All About Women, but everybody must participate because the Woman is the Centre of the Family, and the Family is the smallest unit of the Society. Therefore, if the Woman is empowered and advanced, the Family will obviously follow suit and our society and our world will progress to be a better place for all.
“This is also in line with the objectives of this year’s theme of UN International Women’s Day – Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.
“On the part of A-WIN, as a gender-based NGO, this year’s International Women’s Day celebration and theme calls for sober reflection and rediscovery of ourselves individually and collectively as a way to identify and erase inherent threat that militate against the growth and development of Women.
Continuing, Igboka said,”It is as a result that A-WIN advanced deeper in localizing the theme and adopted “Gear Up Women, Aspire, Win” as the theme of this Summit. We are richly blessed with an array of experienced experts and those who should know that will speak to us on the subjects.
“It is our belief that Women niust gear up for greater opportunities, so as to be more prepared, better equipped and very ready to be Counted in, to be Invested in, for us all to Accelerate progress.
“This requires Women to come together and rally around one another, even while attracting collaboration from our respected male counterparts. It is only by so doing will Women advance in gearing up for greater opportunities, discovering and utilizing the strength that lies in togetherness.
“I am very happy that this collaboration of A-WIN and Ministry of Women Affairs has yielded great results.
”Already, Women are having their free medical services and dispensing of drugs in the premises, courtesy of the Anambra State Primary Health Agency.
”It is pertinent to note that in the course of this event, we shall unveil our 5 Premium Projects for 2024. We will also unveil “A-WIN World”, a Special Publication for promotion of Women and all those, who diligently support Women, the Girl Child and Vulnerable people among us. We humbly, solicit your generosity.”
