The National President of North Central Women Association (NCWA),Dr. Maryam Abu-Goodman, has described women as the backbone of every society stressing that they should be accorded the deserving respect at all times.
She noted that women are nurturers, caregivers and force behind family stability, yet in many parts of the world, including in North Central Nigeria, their voices are not heard.
Addressing participants at the maiden stakeholders meeting of the North Central Women Association, (NCWA), on Tuesday, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua international Centre in Abuja, Dr Maryam Abu-Goodman, observed that women potentials remain untaped.
According to Dr. Abu-Goodman, it was time the narrative should be changed to ignite the passion to empower every woman and girl, breathing life into our dreams and aspirations.
She observed that the North Central region of Nigeria is blessed with resources and diverse opportunities, stating that empowering women and girls is not just about economic growth.
” It is about cultivating a society where every individual, regardless of gender, is free to realize their full potential.
” As we look around us, it becomes clear that empowering women has far-reaching benefits. When women thrive, families thrive. When families thrive, communities prosper. And when communities prosper,our society flourishes as a whole” she asserted.
She reflected on the barriers that continued to hinder our progress, noting that many of the girls from the North Central region were denied access to quality education because of their gender.
These barriers, according to her not only stall their individual growth, but also hold back communal advancement.
She added that education is transformative which equips women and girls with the tools they need to shape their futures and contribute to nation- building.
” It is our shared responsibility to ensure that every girl in North Central Nigeria has access to quality education leading to well-rounded development.
” Moreover economic empowerment is crucial. We must strive to create more opportunities for women in the workforces.
“When women are given the chance to participate in the economy, we witness innovation, creativity,and a ripple effect of benefits that extends beyond mere financial gain.
” By supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering an environment where their businesses can thrive,we are planting seeds of change that will grow for generations ” she noted.
She posited that empowerment is not solely about education and economic advancement, stressing that it also encompasses social and Political participation.
Dr. Abu-Goodman pointed out that women are underrepresented in leadership roles,from local governance to national politics,which she maintained is vital to advocate for greater representation of women in the decision-making process.
Adding ” When women have a seat at the table,they can advocate for issues that matter to our community’s health care, education, and security among others.
” Furthermore,we need to challenge and change the societal norms that perpetuates discrimination and inequality. It begins with raising awareness and amplifying the voices of our women and girls. We must engage men as allies in this journey toward empowerment. Together,we can dismantle the stereotypes that bind us and forster a culture of respect and equality” she stated.
She urged stakeholders from the six North Central States to join hands in a vital mission and be committed towards building an inclusive environment where the women and girls of North Central Nigeria can thrive.
