IWD: Anambra first lady calls for women’s empowerment

The wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, has said that everyone must be part of the intentional effort to build an environment where women and girls can thrive, noting that womanhood represents the functionality and growth of both the home and society.

Soludo noted that for decades, there have been numerous discussions centred on improving the conditions of women, yet there appears to be little progress toward sincere conversations about the plight and position of women in society.

She stated this in a press statement issued on Sunday to commemorate International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, which highlights women’s struggles for equality and liberation, with a focus on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women.

The Anambra First Lady, who is also the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, spoke on the theme, “Empower her, elevate all,” stressing that leadership must begin with those whose destinies are at the centre of the conversation, adding that women must now take their rightful place at the forefront.

The statement read in part, “I stand before you today with a deep sense of pride. Proud not just because I am a woman, but because I understand what womanhood truly represents in the functionality and growth of the home and society. For decades, we have had innumerable discussions, thousands of them, about how to improve the lot of women and girls. From studies, consultations, seminars and workshops to protests, demonstrations, open letters and pleas, the conversations go on and on.

“Yet there seems to be no headway in sight for a sincere conversation about the plight and position of women in our society. While today is one of those moments, I propose a review of strategies and visions. If we continue to frame the conversations around partisanship, I fear that the results we seek may still be far away. Everyone must be part of the crusade if we are truly intentional about building the right environment for women and girls to thrive.

“However, the lead must start from those whose destinies are the subject of the conversation. The time of staying on the sidelines is over. Women must now be at the centre and the forefront of it all. The big question now is: how do we get fully involved?

“The number of women who have ventured into politics is still significantly low. This has to change. We cannot make a difference if all we have is an aversion to the system. It is time to get involved in the process and be at the table where key decisions about our destinies are made. Being an active part of the process guarantees real-time impact. I therefore call on every woman who has a passion for politics to take a bold step towards becoming a changemaker. We will rally behind you.”

Soludo also commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for proposing legislation that would mandate a specific number of seats for women in the National Assembly.

She described the proposal as a commendable model for fair representation for minority voices and an opportunity for elected women to serve as strong advocates for millions of women seeking greater inclusion.

She also urged that if the proposed legislation is considered, state Houses of Assembly should not be excluded.

She said, “If we want to make a tangible difference, then we should be bold and courageous enough in pursuing it.

“You have chosen quite a brilliant theme for today’s occasion — ‘Empower her, elevate all.’ I have also seen a couple of themes out there, each sharing its unique perspective on the subject matter.

“These themes should not become mere use-and-dispose materials for occasional highlights. Having the right conversations means asking difficult questions. It is about taking action and providing solutions. It is about giving women and girls a fair opportunity to grow, succeed and lead without stereotypes and marginalisation.

“It is about protecting them from harassment and abuse, sexual exploitation and social injustices, workplace discrimination and cultural debasement. It is about understanding that when one woman is rightly empowered, an entire generation is empowered. We must take this conversation beyond mere advocacy. It is time to be more practical.”

According to her, women have consistently demonstrated strong leadership and managerial abilities whenever they are entrusted with important responsibilities.

She added that the current administration in Anambra State recognises this reality, noting that more women now occupy key positions in government than ever before, serving as examples of excellence and professionalism.

She highlighted initiatives such as free education from primary to secondary school, free antenatal care and delivery services, free cervical cancer screening and treatment programmes that have benefited over 10,000 women, the establishment of a designated magistrate court to handle gender-based violence cases, and the recruitment of over 8,000 teachers — many of them women.

Soludo also noted that the creation of competitive platforms for women to advance within the state civil service further demonstrates the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

She added, “It is important for every woman to understand that being a woman goes beyond mere gender affirmation. Part of what we are doing through my NGO, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, is to mould women into practical changemakers.

“By teaching women to prioritise their health and embrace healthy lifestyles, we have built a community of committed advocates who see healthy living as a primary driver of societal development. Today, hundreds of women are leading routine workouts and community programmes across Anambra State, building healthy connections and promoting gender success. These women understand firsthand what it takes to create lasting impact.

“It is the same impact we are witnessing today with the empowerment of 25 women, whom I expect to make the best use of this opportunity to build better lives for themselves. It is my earnest wish that we can create a sustainable platform to bring every Anambra woman to this roundtable. If we want our voices to be heard, then we must move together with a shared vision and foresight.

“I thank everyone who has come out to celebrate with us today. I once again commend the organisers who made this event possible. God bless all Anambra women. God bless Anambra State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and may God bless us all.”