DEPOWA Calls for More Women inclusion in Policy Making
By Martha Obi, Abuja
Women have been called upon to portray positive mental fortitude that will attract respect and inspire inclusion of women and girls in leadership and decision- and other numerous endeavors.
The President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, has called on women to portray positive mental fortitude that will attract respect and inspire their inclusion in leadership roles.
She made the call during the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration in Abuja which had as theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate the Diversity and Empowerment of Women’
She said that it is necessary for every woman to look beyond gender stereotypes and dismantle discriminatory practices and utilize any opportunity to execute laudable programs that are people-driven.
“Over the years, the celebration of women’s day has evolved and taken up an entirely novel form. Equally, the world has also witnessed the establishments of diverse women professional and social groups such as ours, the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, DEPOWA. These groups have led advocacies that have emboldened women participation in the development of the society, encouraging women to seek for and to excel in a broader range of endeavors,” she said.
She noted that the IWD holds immense significance not only in recognizing the remarkable achievements of women throughout history, but as a day specially set aside to honour the virtues of women and also to reaffirm commitments towards recognizing the need for the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women.
The Guest of honour, the former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen says women are blessed with everything for God took out time to create a woman but when God created man, man was not happy because something was missing then God took a rib from the man and created a woman.
According to her, a woman is three people put together because she manages the home, she nurtures the best leaders in the world.
She urged women to always show love to people and appreciate every talent in them for collectively, they can move the country forward.
She encouraged women not to give up “for one day, a woman will be the president or vice president of this country.”
The Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Jiritmwa Goyit said in Nigeria, they have seen women who have answered the call and offered themselves to actively participate despite the harsh and unfriendly political space.
She said “investing in women is a way to promote gender equality and empower women economically.”
