The Worldwide Organisation for Women (WOW) Africa captivated global attention with its 2024 WOW Conversation 003 held at the luxurious Hilton Leisure Hotel in Awka. The event, themed “Building Equitable Futures: Women Capacities and Pathways,” provided a platform to address critical issues affecting women’s lives and livelihoods.

In her Keynote Address the Attorney General of Anambra State and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje said it is imperative for Nigerian legislators to have a re-think and domesticate the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW.

Professor Ifemeje maintained it is time lawmakers toed the path of civilized nations and pass the gender rights equality bill into law which will do away with existing religious and cultural prejudices and accord women equal rights.

While highlighting that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Act which was domesticated in Anambra in 2018 has provided some solutions to the challenges facing women, the Attorney General recommended that the Judiciary should, in the mean time, rely on existing constitutional provisions and repugnancy tests to give justice to women whose rights have been violated.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairperson of WOW Conversation 003,

Mrs. Benny Allison-Anene, emphasized the importance of dialogue between men and women in addressing the concerns and issues that affect women’s lives and livelihoods.

In her goodwill message, the International President of WOW, Ms. Nicholeen Peck, reinforced the organization’s mission to unite men and women in nurturing and improving society stating that they aim at harnessing the collective power of men and women to create a more nurturing and effective society.

For her part, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of WOW Africa, Inc., Chief (Mrs.) Carol Ugochukwu, highlighted the indispensable role of women in community development because they form the backbone of communities while playing multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

The WOW International Board Member and Executive Director of WOW Africa Inc., Attorney Amaka Ada Akudinobi, praised the networking opportunities provided by the event, which are crucial for ongoing enlightenment and empowerment efforts.

In a paper presentation, the MD/CEO of Anambra State Solid Mineral Development, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, shared his dedication to supporting widows, a cause he passionately pursues despite personal losses.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha,

Advocated for Negotiated Feminism nicknamed “Nego-Feminism”, which aims at challenging the systems of oppression and creating a more just society for all. She called for the prioritisation of the education of the girl-child, recognizing the profound impact of an educated mind.

The event concluded with a Lucky Dip, where three lucky members of the WOW Community Team won grinding machines, adding a celebratory note to a significant occasion.

The WOW Conversation 003 in Awka, Anambra State, was indeed a watershed event, marking a significant step forward in the quest for gender equity and empowerment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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