The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for a shift from passive recognition of women’s struggles to active empowerment, which is critical to national development.
It urged society to encourage women to lead and reshape the future.
Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations’ (NIPR) 1st International Women’s Day commemoration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said the time had come to move beyond sympathy to action.
Dr Neliaku stressed the need to create spaces where women can excel without structural hindrances, reflecting on women’s historical resilience and leadership.
“Even within walls of limitation, women rose with courage that could not be extinguished, When women lead, institutions become more resilient, and nations thrive and prosper. For years, the message has been ‘women, don’t cry.’ Today, the message must change to ‘women, rise; women, lead; women, reshape the future,’” he said.
According to Dr. Neliaku, women’s contributions have long been overlooked despite their central role in shaping societies, warning that societies that sideline women risk stagnation.
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“Nigerian women have never been spectators in our national story, they have always been authors of it. A nation that silences its women silences half of its future. When women rise, societies rise with them.
“For much of human history, the story of civilisation has been written largely in the voices of men, while the contributions of women were muted or excluded. Yet, even within those limitations, women rose with courage that could not be extinguished”, he added.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, commended women’s critical role in peacebuilding and national stability, stressing that inclusive communication and gender participation are essential in addressing security challenges.
In her keynote address, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, underscored the power of communication in advancing gender equity and national development.
“What is not effectively communicated cannot be successfully implemented. A brilliant policy that is not understood by the people remains nothing more than paper”, she said.
Usman stressed the importance of distinguishing between equality and equity, noting that policies must address specific barriers faced by women. She further highlighted structural challenges limiting women’s advancement, including limited access to finance, workplace bias, and cultural constraints.
Other speakers at the event, such as the Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, are of the view that empowering women through inclusive policies, strategic communication, and leadership opportunities is essential for Nigeria’s growth and stability.
Other highlights of the celebration were panel discussions and presentations of plaques of recognition and appreciation.
The celebration, with the theme: “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women”, brought together stakeholders from government, security agencies, and the communications sector to reflect on the role of women in nation-building.