As today is marked as International Women’s Day globally, some women in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State have voiced out their love for womenfolk, saying ‘’We have no regret being women.’’
One of the women is Augustina Wilfred Ikowa from Ibeno Local Government Area.
Ikowa who dressed traditionally to reflect the culture of her area joined her contemporaries from the 31 local government areas to congregate at Ibom Hall Grounds, IBB Avenue, Uyo in marking the epoch-making day.
With traditionally sewn raffia hat and wrapper and singlet to match, Mrs Ikowa was excited to attend the ceremony which she saw as ‘’liberation’’ for women.
Speaking with Straightnews reporter on Monday, March 8 if she regrets being a woman, she responded ”I do not regret being a woman.”
This is because some people discriminate against women in some climes while some women are being deprived of their rights and privileges.
However, Ikowa remarked ”I hate men who discriminate against women on account of their gender. Some do not have regard for women while some erroneously think that a women’s education should end in the kitchen.
”I am happy for governments that make women to realise that they have equal rights with men. They accord women their rights and privileges.’’
On a happier note, she declared ”I thank God for today. It is a day set aside to celebrate us. Before now, we were not accorded their pride of place in the society. But all that has changed as we are given a platform to express our views and showcase our talents and womenfolk.
”I thank Akwa Ibom government for carrying us along in all ramifications.
”I hope government would change certain policies and amend some laws to give us a pride of place in the society,’’ Ikowa opined.
But Esther Udofia Okon, an HND electrical/electronics graduate, was not happy with the state government for not doing enough to provide gainful employment opportunities to most graduates in the state.
On the type of men she likes, Ms Okon also from Ibeno said she does not like men who are talkative and gossips.
”I also hate hot-tempered men. I do not like men who underrate us and see us good for nothing,’’ Udofia, the Heritage Polytechnic graduate, pointed out.
The theme for International Women’s Day (8 March), “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain.
