A community stakeholder in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dabota Jumbo, PhD, has called for intentional upliftment of women so that society can benefit from their innate potentials. 

Dr. Jumbo made this call on Friday, March 8, 2024 during the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration organized by the Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs with the theme: “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” where she was the keynote speaker.

The annual celebration commemorates women’s achievements across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres, advocating for gender equality and urging reflection on women’s status in society.

She observed that despite women’s productivity matching that of the men, statistics indicate that gender disparities persist, with one in ten women living in extreme poverty, and women facing legal, economic, and social inequalities citing UN statistics at her presentation.

Dr Jumbo, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bonny Constituency seat in the Rivers State House of Assembly, advocated that investing in women is crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), addressing global challenges, and promoting human rights and social justice.

She proposed strategies such as education access, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship support, and closing the gender pay gap, asserting that these if implemented would empower women economically and socially.

Prioritizing these investments, according to her, can accelerate progress towards gender equality, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous world. The theme underscores the transformative impact of women’s empowerment, urging continual investment in women to ensure a brighter future for all.

In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara expressed readiness of his administration to continue to indulge in gender-friendly policies for the advancement of the State.

Represented by his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Governor assured that his administration has put policies in place to empower women as well as fight discrimination against women in the State.

“The Governor of Rivers State is passionate about women. He intentionally creates opportunities for women that can help women to grow. From the appointments you could tell.”

“We would continue to rub minds together to make sure that we live up to the theme for this year’s celebration   so that we will have accelerated progress. The women that pick periwinkle and bring them to sell to train their children, some of them are single parents so we need to invest in those group of women.”

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Roseline Uranta encouraged women to indulge in self-enhancing ventures.

“Women uphold the deliberate act of investing in yourselves; be it in engaging in formal education, developing a new skill or learning a trade. Shun idleness, gossip and always find something positive and productive to do.”