IWD: ANAMBRA FIRST LADY ADVOCATES FOR WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
Read Time:4 Minute, 29 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
The wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, has called for a collective effort to create an environment where women and girls can thrive, emphasizing that womanhood is central to the growth and functionality of both the home and society.
Speaking in a press statement on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, Soludo lamented that despite decades of discussions on improving women’s conditions, meaningful progress on addressing their plight and position in society has been limited.
The Anambra First Lady, who is also the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, addressed the IWD theme, “Empower her, elevate all,” stressing that leadership must prioritize those at the heart of the conversation, and urged that women should now take their rightful place at the forefront.
In a statement, Nonye Soludo expressed pride in womanhood, saying it is central to the growth and functionality of both home and society. She noted that, despite decades of discussions, studies, seminars, protests, and advocacy on improving the conditions of women and girls, meaningful progress remains limited.
Soludo called for a review of strategies, warning that framing conversations around partisanship could delay the results society seeks. She emphasized that everyone must be involved in creating an environment where women and girls can thrive, but leadership must begin with those whose destinies are at the heart of the discussion.
“The time of staying on the sidelines is over,” she said. “Women must now be at the centre and forefront. The big question now is: how do we get fully involved?”
Nonye Soludo highlighted the low participation of women in politics, stressing the need for change. “The number of women who have ventured into politics is still significantly low. This has to change. We cannot make a difference if we remain averse to the system,” she said, urging women to get involved and occupy spaces where key decisions about their futures are made. “Being an active part of the process guarantees real-time impact. I call on every woman with a passion for politics to take a bold step toward becoming a changemaker. We will rally behind you.”
Soludo also praised the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for proposing legislation to reserve a specific number of seats for women in the National Assembly. She described the proposal as a commendable model for fair representation and an opportunity for elected women to advocate for millions seeking greater inclusion.
She further recommended that if the legislation is adopted, state Houses of Assembly should also implement similar measures. “If we want to make a tangible difference, we must be bold and courageous in pursuing it,” she added.
Nonye Soludo praised the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Empower her, elevate all,” describing it as brilliant. She noted that while many themes exist, each offering unique perspectives, they should not be treated as temporary talking points.
“Having the right conversations means asking difficult questions, taking action, and providing solutions,” she said. “It is about giving women and girls a fair opportunity to grow, succeed, and lead without facing stereotypes or marginalization.”
Nonye Soludo emphasized that women’s empowerment goes beyond advocacy. “It is about protecting them from harassment, abuse, sexual exploitation, social injustices, workplace discrimination, and cultural debasement,” she said. “When one woman is rightly empowered, an entire generation benefits. It is time to move from talk to practical action.”
She highlighted that women consistently demonstrate strong leadership and managerial abilities when entrusted with responsibility. The Anambra State government, she noted, recognises this, with more women occupying key government positions than ever before, setting examples of excellence and professionalism.
Soludo pointed to initiatives that have benefited thousands of women, including free education from primary to secondary school, free antenatal care and delivery services, cervical cancer screening and treatment programmes reaching over 10,000 women, the establishment of a dedicated magistrate court for gender-based violence cases, and the recruitment of more than 8,000 teachers, many of them women.
She also noted the creation of competitive platforms within the state civil service as further proof of the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. “Being a woman goes beyond mere gender affirmation,” Soludo added. “Through my NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, we are shaping women into practical changemakers.”
“By encouraging women to prioritise their health and adopt healthy lifestyles, we have cultivated a community of committed advocates who view wellness as a key driver of societal development,” Nonye Soludo said. “Today, hundreds of women lead regular workouts and community programmes across Anambra State, fostering healthy connections and promoting gender success. These women understand firsthand what it takes to create lasting impact.”
Nonye Soludo highlighted the impact of empowering women, noting, “We are witnessing the positive outcomes of empowering 25 women, whom I expect to make the most of this opportunity to build better lives. My hope is to create a sustainable platform that brings every Anambra woman to this roundtable. If we want our voices heard, we must move together with a shared vision and foresight.”
She expressed appreciation to attendees and organisers, saying, “I thank everyone who joined us today. I commend the organisers who made this event possible. God bless all Anambra women, God bless Anambra State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and may God bless us all.”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0