Group photograph of the distinguished ladies in attendance
In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2020, Conversations for Change (C4C) and Africa International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) hosted women (and men) to an event “The Voice of Women” which held on the 5th of March, 2020. The event highlighted the contributions and achievements of women all over the world and was graced by an array of reputable women who had distinguished themselves as leaders in various capacities and at different levels, and had made remarkable contributions in society.
Dr. Kechi Ogbuagu speaking on the need to empower the next generation of women leaders
Two of such women are the organizers themselves- Dr. Kechi Ogbuagu, President & Founder Conversations for Change and Ms. Malame Manghza, Director General AFIDFF. Dr Ogbuagu in her opening remark, addressed passionately the need for everyone- men and women alike, to join efforts in the empowerment of women of all ages as it is critical to achieving full gender equality. Citing the Beijing Platform for Action, Dr Ogbuagu made reference to the critical areas of concern as it relates to women empowerment: poverty, education, health, gender-based violence, economic participation, inequality in power and decision making amongst others. In concluding her speech, the President/Founder of C4C urged women to relentlessly chase their dreams and to defy all odds if need be.
Similarly, in her address Ms. Mangzha, showcasing the success stories of women of diverse backgrounds and cultures, highlighted the innate abilities and willpower of women and expressed the need therefore, for everyone to encourage and support women towards the pursuit of success in various walks of life- the arts, business and industry, journalism/media, leadership and governance amongst other fields. She also thanked the distinguished speakers – Dr. Ada Okwuosa OON (Former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Civil Service Commission of Nigeria and Pioneer Commissioner to ECOWAS ) and Engr. Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke FNSE, OON,CFR ( First Female Head of Service and the first female Civil Engineer in Nigeria) who shared their own inspirational stories, experiences and feats attained despite all odds.
Other distinguished guests in attendance equally contributed to the conversation; sharing personal challenges faced in building their careers- challenges such as gender inequality, harassment, unequal pay, favoritism which still confront women today, as well as how they coped with responsibilities on the home front. Some of these distinguished guests include - Dr. Regina Amadi Njoku (The Former African Regional Director of ILO), Dr. Eleanor Ann Nwadinobi (President, Medical Women’s International Association), Binta Mohammed Lawal ( a young female commercial Pilot with the Nigerian Aviation Sector who has been flying for over 10 years). These remarkable women have all been trailblazers in their different spheres of life.
‘The Voice of Women’ was indeed a remarkable event, as we not only marked the international observance but truly celebrated the beauty, uniqueness, complexities, abilities, talents and we dare say, superpowers that make women divine!
