Nigerian women across various fields of endeavour have been challenged to become strong voices for the gender with outstanding results and exceptional conduct in a bid to inspire excellence among women.
This call was made at the maiden edition of a virtual conference recently organized by Voice of Women (VoW) Foundation for Peace and Unity themed: “Women: Find Your Voice”.
Speaking at the online summit which was the inaugural edition of Echo Series, the Director-General, National Centre for Women Development, Hon. (Dr.) Asabe Vilita Bashir, stressed that Nigerian women need strong voices to remain relevant even as she encouraged women to display excellence in their vocation or profession.
Her words: “A woman’s voice that is strong, is the voice which is competent and can make impact without any challenge from any quarters”
She recalled the work of the Centre nicknamed Mariam Babangida Centre and concurred that the theme for the event resonated deeply with her as she acknowledged the President’s vision in creating the VoW platform where every woman is important.
Also speaking, the Founder/ CEO Young Moms Support Initiative, HRM Dr. Vivian Obiageli Egwuatu Nsirim, observed that in a world where there are cultural, traditional and gender barriers, every woman needs to carve a niche for herself.
Dr. Obiageli argued that for a woman, making her unique experiences count is her strength and this can be achieved through a journey of self-discovery.
“The unique experiences and stories help you to dig inwards, find and amplify your authentic voice,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, a former Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Borno state, Dr. Juliana Bitrus, challenged woman to develop their skills and competence to standout in their respective fields.
“Women who dare to speak or be relevant must be competent. The need for upscaling your skills cannot be overemphasized as this is one way women can play on a level playing ground in a patriarchal society,” Bitrus said
She equally espoused her experiences in politics to encourage other women who restrict themselves from venturing into strange fields.
On her part, an expert mind-set strategist, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Bello Abu, said, “Our voices are more than just the sound that comes from our throats; they are the carriers of our stories, the articulators of our dreams, and the architects of our ambitions. Finding your voice is about discovering the essence of who you are.”
In her welcome address, the President of VoW, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, enlightened the participants on the very essence of holding the maiden programme which eventually was the official launch of the Foundation.
She explained that the speakers who were selected were intentionally picked to lead, inspire guide and mentor other women.
Anyika urged every woman to find their voice and not conform to the norms in a world where there is so much noise.
“In today’s world, women should be resilient and focused on digging inwards and discovering their authenticity, birthing new ideas, dreams, passion and purpose,” Anyika said.
However, Hon. Mohammed Sambo observed that every woman carries a unique narrative and a story that deserves to be heard by the government, organizations and other women.
Speaking as a He-for-She special guest at the summit, he said that the diversity of voices that make women vibrant and dynamic lies in their support for one another, therefore, he called on every woman who wants to stop or who is yet to start using her voice, to find her voice, let it be heard, and let it echo in the hearts of those who need to hear it.
“It’s not about conforming to a singular script but together creating a symphony of empowerment, where every woman’s voice is heard and celebrated,” Sambo opined.
