The wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudaline Nwifuru, has emphasised that empowering women will unlock their vast potential and talent, contributing to economic growth and societal development, as women’s empowerment is a future investment.
Mrs. Nwifuru made this statement during a one-day training for Ebonyi women, including political office holders, EXCO spouses, board members, local government chairpersons, female vice-chairmen, secretaries, women in diaspora, and women groups to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day.
The workshop, themed “Count Her In, Invest in Women, Accelerate Her Progress,” was organized by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the office of Her Excellency on Tuesday.
Mrs. Nwifuru urged everyone to enhance the skills and knowledge of women in different leadership roles. She encouraged participants to open their minds, engage in meaningful discussions, share stories and experiences, and learn from one another to create a brighter future for women and girls everywhere.
She commended her husband, Governor Francis Nwifuru, for leading the way in women’s inclusion in governance and social development.
In her words, “Today marks an important step forward in our commitment to empowering Ebonyi women. This workshop is dedicated to our training and development. As we gather here today, we recognize the immense potential that lies within each woman. However, we also acknowledge the barriers and challenges we often face in skills development and in discharging our respective duties. That is why this workshop is so crucial.
“Empowering women through this sort of training is not merely a matter of gender equality. It is an investment in the future. When we educate and train women, we uplift our societies. By this workshop, we are unlocking vast potentials and talent that can contribute to economic growth and societal development. It will enhance our skills and knowledge and enable us to distinguish ourselves in our various leadership roles.
“Research consistently shows that societies where women are educated and empowered tend to be more stable, prosperous, and resilient. Ebonyi State today ticks all the above boxes in a positive way because our government has availed us the opportunity to demonstrate our strength.
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“For this reason and more, I appreciate my darling husband, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, for leading the line in women’s inclusion in governance and social development. I am happy that those who represent us in various capacities in the state today are adding needed value to our cause. We are proud of our productivity levels and our input in ensuring that The People’s Charter of Needs mantra comes to reality. It is, therefore, important to refresh our minds with this event, brush ourselves up, and sharpen our blunt edges.
She added, “In truth, workshops like this play crucial roles in advancing gender equality by providing a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. I urge us all to open our minds and engage in meaningful discussions, sharing our stories and experiences, so to learn from one another. Let us inspire and be inspired, educate and be educated, empower and be empowered. Together, we can create a brighter future for women and girls everywhere.
“Again, I urge us to open our minds and embrace the rich values of this program. Let us not fall into the temptation of seeing it as one of those usual events where we come to chat away our time and go home with nothing. But I am confident in all of you and trust that you will not disappoint me. I look forward to getting brilliant reports on our conducts and outputs during this event.”
The event featured lectures from Prof. Adeline Idike on Women Entrepreneurship, the Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State on Security, Prof. Johnson Obunna on Family Values, and others.