The Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) joined the rest of the world in Marking this year's International Women's Day on Thursday, 8th March 2024, with an Awareness Walk and Symposium.
The Awareness Walk and Symposium which had as its theme: "Inspire Inclusion" took place at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess, Asokoro Abuja.
The event organised by NAOWA, led by the President, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja is aimed at raising awareness about the issues affecting women globally including gender based violence, discrimination, child marriage, challenges of getting quality education, health care amd economic opportunities amongs others.
In her address at the occasion, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja described the International Women's Day as a global movement that recognizes the crucial role women play in developing the society while appealing for closure in gender gap.
She said the day is sets apart to celebrate the socio-economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide as well as to raise awareness about the issues of gender equality.
"The day equally emphasises the importance of empowering women by supporting initiatives that promotes women's rights, provide equal opportunities and promote an environment where women can thrive personally and professionally"
"The Global Campaign team for this year's International Women's Day, is a call to action and highlights the need to bridge a gap in creating more profits and empowerment for women. It is important to create an environment where women are empowered to take up greater responsibilities beyond their traditional or cultural rules determined by the society. She descried lack of inclusion as a major challenge which prevents many women from reaching their potential goals" stated NAOWA President.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event and President Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Ogogo Musa in her address paid tribute to the countless women who have paved the way for progress, broken barriers and challenged societal norms to create a more inclusive world.
She pointed out that the world has celebrated women trail blazers from the field of science, politics, business, and the arts while paying tribute to the unsung heroes who silently advocate for justice and equality in their community.
In his Goodwill message to women on the occasion of the International Women's Day, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja acknowledged and celebrated the female officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, while expressing profound appreciation to the officers and soldiers Wives for the cridible role they play in the society.
General Lagbaja said the theme of this year's International Women's Day Celebration : "Inspire Inclusion" serves as a reminder of how much the female gender has been suppressed in the society.
He saluted the courage and the resilience of the officers and soldiers wives who keep the home front during long deployment of their husbands to secure the nation and national interest. He said he is solidly behind the President of NAOWA and her members in thier commitment to see that they are heard.
The NAOWA 2024 celebration aimed to raise awareness and support various initiatives to promoting gender equality and women empowerment for a more inclusive society.
It featured open dialogue where women learnt from a panel of experts who addressed questions and concerns raised by the women, presentations on lifestyle, personal development etc.
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