IWD: Mrs Nwifuru calls for collective action for gender equality, women’s empowerment

The Wife of Ebonyi State Governor Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has called for bold and decisive action to accelerate progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Ebonyi State and beyond. 

Mrs Nwifuru who stated this during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Women Development Center, Abakaliki emphasized the need to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to break barriers hindering women’s advancement.

Addressing a distinguished gathering of women, Her Excellency reiterated that International Women’s Day is not just about celebration but a moment of reflection on the struggles women have faced and the urgent actions needed to bridge gender gaps in education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunities.

This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” served as a clarion call for immediate and sustained efforts to close gender disparities. The First Lady highlighted the importance of shifting from advocacy to implementation, ensuring that every woman and girl has the opportunity to dream, work, and lead without limitations.

The wife of the Governor  encouraged women to join small collective financial investments in order to sustain the status of their families.

The Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila appreciated the wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu for her empowerment programmes which Mrs Nwifuru had been stepping down to women.

Princess Obila advised women to always create peaceful co-existence amongst their communities to actualise the growth and development of the State.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma commended the transformational roles of women towards gender equality and human capacity development in the State.

Mrs Nwankpuma said the theme of the 2025 International Women's Day celebrations "Accelerate Action" was a wake up call for women to improve their financial status, added that Governor Francis Nwifuru had paid the counterpart funding for development projects for Ebonyi women.

There were lectures on Sustainability of empowerment, Investments and risks, and the importance of being a prayerful wife.