For decades, women all over the world have been struggling to enjoy equal opportunities like men at home, in government circle and in the offices. Even though there are still ample challenges, the drudgery for gender equality is slowly but steadily yielding results.
Muammad Ali Jinnah, who was a lawyer, politician, and the founder of Pakistan had, many years ago, said that “No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men”. Today, the world is gradually realising the importance of women in nation building.
International Women’s Day (IWD) observed on March 8, 1914 in Germany was dedicated to women’s right to vote. But in 1975, the United Nations (UN) began celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8.
Only two years later, in December 1977 the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a “United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.” Thus, March 8 of every year is set aside globally for the celebration. The day also marks a call for action to accelerate gender parity.
This year’s celebration with the theme “Press for Progress” was celebrated with pomp and pageantry in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
StraightNews was there to catch the glimpse of the moments. The venue was Ibom Hall Grounds in Uyo local government area of the state. Women in the state, drawn from the 31 local government areas, already known for their inclination to charivari and jamboree, came out in their numbers, looking colourful, alluring and radiant as always.
There were drama presentations, symposia, Bible opening competitions, recitation competitions, march past by women groups from all the local government areas, foodstuff exhibitions, cultural displays as well as other activities to add glamour to the celebration.
One of the women leaders in the state, Mrs. Eno Hanson, who spoke to StraightNews, could not hide her excitement as the celebration, according to her, was one that she impatiently waits for every year.
“This day is important in every woman’s life. It is a day that reminds us (women) of how far we have come. Today, women are in various positions of leadership both at the state and national levels. We are no longer relegated to the kitchen and bedrooms; our voices are now heard.
“In the spirit of Oliver Twist, we want more. We are not resting on our oars because we are not there yet. There are still women related challenges that we are faced with and we must stand strong to win the battle,” she submitted.
She mentioned such challenges to include rape of the girl child, inadequate education, lack of proper exposure, distrust from the male counterpart as well as want of opportunities.
Mrs Glory Edet, state commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, who spoke at the occasion, said that the theme of this year’s celebration was apt as it was a wake-up call for every woman to press forward and demand for gender inclusion for the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Edet noted that the event was also one to celebrate acts of courage by women who have played extra-ordinary roles in the state and the nation at large.
“This is a call for everyone to continue to work for a future filled with hope and opportunity for women and girls. The time to help our marginalised women and girls to unlock their full potentials and achieve economic independence is now because supporting women is vital for challenging poverty,” she noted.
Women leaders in the state, who took turns to present goodwill messages at the occasion, poured encomiums on the state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for “carrying the women along in governance.”
They, however, asked to be given greater opportunities to represent the women not only in the state but at the the national level too. As expected, they threw their weight of support behind the governor for his second term ambition in office in 2019.
Mrs Martha Udom, the governor’s wife, who described women as “special creatures because God caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam and He carefully took out his rib and made a woman whereas man was created from dust,” thanked the governor for women inclusion policy of his government.
Mrs Udom urged the women to be supportive of their husbands, saying that that is the whole essence of the celebration. She was quick to remind the men at the event that “women no longer belong to the other room.”
Mr Udom Emmanuel, the state governor, who also spoke at the event, sounded a strong warning to rapists in the state, saying that his government would not smile at anyone found to be guilty of defiling any girl-child in the state.
“We have launched a campaign against rape. Even if you notice an attempted case, report to us. My phone lines are always open for everyone. Call me at any time and I will answer you immediately,” the governor said.
He, however, urged the women to be hawk-eyed in looking after their girl-child, as well as admonished them to press for progress and not limit themselves by cultural inclinations.