The fifth annual August meeting of the Mbada Women Association of Wazobia FM, Onitsha, was held on Sunday, with a call on women to always play their role in societal development.
This year’s edition was held at the Shanahan Hall, Holy Trinity in Onitsha, with the theme "Women Wey Balance," focused on capacity building for women.
A guest speaker at the event, Hon. Mimi Ifeoma Azikwe, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency I in the Anambra State House of Assembly, highlighted the struggles Nigerian women face, calling for increased empowerment to ensure a women-friendly society where no one is left behind.
She advised women to use the opportunities around them, reminding them of the need to build their capacity and not wait for their husbands or spouses to do everything for them.
"Every strong force in the world is a feminine being," she said, adding that "The scientists understand the power of women, and that is why when you look at different hurricanes in Europe, they gave it feminine names, which tells you the power of a woman, and we must make use of it."
Hon. Azikwe, a lawyer and cybersecurity analyst, encouraged women to take a front role in leadership, stressing that decision-making must include women.
"If we don't get involved, no one will give it to us. The world is changing, and as a woman, you must change along, ask questions about what you can do to help yourself," she advised women.
A specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Iwuoha Julian, who spoke on women's health, decried the rate of maternal mortality, emphasizing the need for increased access to women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Also, one of the panelists, Chiwendu Uba, an educationist, decried the level of bullying among school children, advising mothers to always give their children attention to know their challenges.
She said, "Always make friends with your child, let your kids be free with you. It will help to know what they are going through. Listen to them; their questions may be irritating sometimes, but create time for them.”
On his part, the Station's Programme Manager, Moses Okonkwo, said the event is part of the brand’s efforts at providing opportunities for women through empowerment and addressing issues relevant to their well-being.
"Women are the pillars of society, home builders. Their impacts cannot be overemphasized. That is why we keep hosting this Mbada Women August meeting annually, as a community-oriented radio station.
“This is to highlight the challenges women face as a pivotal part of society.
“It is our belief that if women are given the right sense of belonging in society, we will begin to get a lot of things right and our communities and society will be better for it," he noted.
Okonkwo noted that the theme for this year, "Women Wey Balance," focuses on capacity building for the women, while the program also offers the opportunity for women across the state to connect, share ideas, get educated about women's health, and gain marital guidance.
He further commended the company's management for always supporting the initiative, promising that the next edition would be bigger.
