By Victor Nwegede
Ebonyi State women have called for a concerted effort towards eliminating every barrier impeding their economic and social development.
The women made the call during the Grand finale of the 2025 International Women's Day yesterday at the Women Development Centre in Abakaliki, the State Capital.
The women, including those in politics, market, academia and other social groups led by the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, took advantage of the event to raise awareness on issues affecting their socio-economic well-being.
Issues raised by women, according to Mrs Nwifuru, were gender inequality, poor access to education for the girl child, poor economic empowerment, gender-based violence and a limited number of women in politics.
The Ebonyi First Lady called for accelerated action that would involve her pet project, Better Health for Rural Children, Women Internally Displaced Persons, BERWO Foundation, the government and Civil Society Organizations to break the barriers affecting women's development in the state.
Her words: "International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the struggles women have faced throughout history and continue to face today.
"It serves as a platform to honour women’s achievements across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
"In Ebonyi State, as in many parts of Nigeria and around the world, women have played pivotal roles in shaping communities and driving progress.
"However, we must recognize that there are still significant gaps in gender equality that need our immediate attention"
"The Significance of This Year’s Theme: Accelerate Action."
Mr Nwifuru noted the 2025 theme for the occasion, anchored on "Accelerate Action," is a call to urgency.
She added: "This reminds us that while progress has been made, we can no longer afford to move at a slow pace in the fight for gender equality, economic empowerment, and social justice for women and girls.
"It is time to act decisively, boldly, and collectively to close the gender gaps in education, healthcare, leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology. It is time to break down the systemic barriers that limit the full participation of women in governance and economic development.
"For years, women have called for equal opportunities. Today, we must move from advocacy to action, from discussions to implementation. The future of women in Ebonyi State and beyond depends on the steps we take now to ensure a society where every woman and girl has the right to dream, to work, to lead, and to thrive without limitations."
The Deputy Governor of the State, Princess Patricia Obila expressed the state government’s commitment towards sustaining all lofty programmes aimed at taking women to greater heights.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma, earlier said the women were significantly under-represented but insisted that the narrative had changed through special policies and programmes.
