The wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for renewed collective action to create an environment where women and girls can thrive, stressing that women must play a leading role in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
In a statement issued on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8, Soludo said that despite decades of advocacy and dialogue, notable progress in addressing the challenges faced by women remains limited.
International Women’s Day highlights the global struggle for gender equality and women’s rights, drawing attention to issues such as reproductive health, protection from violence and equal opportunities in leadership.
Soludo, founder of the initiative Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, spoke on the theme: “Empower Her, Elevate All,” emphasising that while collective action is essential, women must move from the margins to the centre of decision-making.
“For decades, we have had countless discussions about improving the lives of women and girls, from research and consultations to protests and open letters.
“Yet there seems to be little progress towards a sincere and transformative conversation about the plight and position of women in our society,” Soludo said.
She warned that debates framed largely along partisan lines could hinder genuine progress and urged stakeholders across society to work together in building supportive systems for women and girls.
According to her, one critical area requiring urgent attention is women’s participation in politics.
“The number of women who have ventured into politics remains significantly low.
“This has to change. Real impact comes when women are present at the table where key decisions are made,” Soludo added.
Soludo encouraged women interested in public service to actively engage in politics and policymaking, assuring them of support from advocacy groups and civil society.
She also commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for proposing legislation that would reserve a specific number of seats for women in the country’s parliament, the National Assembly.
Describing the proposal as a model for inclusive governance, Soludo said such measures could amplify the voices of women and other underrepresented groups. She added that if the legislation is considered, similar provisions should also extend to state Houses of Assembly.
Beyond political representation, she said empowering women requires practical measures to address systemic barriers, including workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and cultural practices that marginalise women and girls.
“It is about giving women and girls a fair opportunity to grow, succeed and lead without stereotypes and marginalisation.
“When one woman is empowered, an entire generation benefits.”
Soludo noted that the current administration in Anambra State has introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting women’s development.
These include free education from primary to secondary school, free antenatal care and delivery services, and a cervical cancer screening and treatment programme that has benefited more than 10,000 women. She also highlighted the establishment of a dedicated magistrate court to handle gender-based violence cases and the recruitment of more than 8,000 teachers, many of them women.
According to her, the government has also created competitive pathways within the state civil service to enable women to advance into leadership positions.
Through her non-governmental initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, she said hundreds of women across the state are now leading community-based health and wellness programmes aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger social networks.
The governor’s wife also announced the empowerment of 25 women through the initiative, urging them to make the most of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods and inspire others.
She concluded by calling for unity among women in pursuing shared goals.
“If we want our voices to be heard.
“we must move together with a shared vision and foresight,” she said.