Edith CHUKU
At the inaugural conference of the Woman of Today Development Association TWOT, International, the Head of Service HOS, of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, has harped on the need for women seeking leadership position to embrace education, digital innovations and harness various opportunities within their reach.
Walson-Jack noted that access to quality education, gender equity, values reorientation were key components for women seeking to attain full potential in leadership.
She also described hardwork, perseverance, values reorientation as pathways for leadership.
The TWOT event was held over the weekend in Yenagoa, with the theme: The Need For The Now: From Awareness To Action.
Walson-Jack who was the keynote speaker, said that “the evolving economic, socio- political world systems demands women’s involvement in the decisions making processes, however, only women who are ready, having distinct qualities, and capabilities such as hardwork, integrity, perseverance will occupy leadership positions.
“The competitive environment requires huge sacrifices embedded in hardwork, intentional goals, determination, empathy from women to achieve their full potential. Women in pursuit of results and greater heights, does so outside their comfort zone.”
She emphasized that sacrifices often times precedes success, and urged women to thrive to set the agenda instead, rather than support the agenda being set for the women by other persons, all the time.
On her part, President and Founder TWOT International, Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri in her address, disclosed that TWOT was birthed as a structured paradigm shift, where the empowered woman relishes on her advantaged position to uplifting other women and girls across diverse regions.
According to her, “over the years, Women have been known for and identified as recipients of negative socio- political, economic and cultural stereotypes. TWOT is tying strings of a new path appropriately with strategic structures for women and girls.
“TWOT is avowed to quality and affordable education for women and girls, entrepreneurship development through knowledge insights and opportunities within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
“TWOT is that cover where every woman can shine, take actions to pull another woman up by supporting, encouraging, standing for, with and by a sister against the tide of stereotypes, cultural limitations, inequity, inequality, gender and sexual based violences, and all forms of discrimination.
“The picture of our envisioned society where peace and justice reign can be achieved when women take more responsibilities, surmounting challenges and reach the peak in leadership, influence policy and decisions making for an inclusive society.”
Buttressing the importance of women realizing their goals, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakassa Ayemieye, expressed concerns at the challenges women are faced with at the peak of their career, though in many cases not deliberate but owing to the dynamics of life and power play in the family circle.
She advocated for closer and better values scrutiny in all aspects of lifestyle, particularly in the choice of marriage partner to reduce the high divorce rate and improve mental health and well-being.
In their goodwill messages, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, Member Representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 and Chairman House Committee on Gender in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner of Information, Orientation and Strategy, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, Captain Matthew Karimo (Rtd), and Mr.Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, General Manager of Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, commending the president/founder TWOT international, for the initiative reiterated their willingness to supporting and encouraging women to achieve their best.
They acknowledged the significant roles women play in nation building, while highlighting the benefits of an inclusive society to include justice, equity, fairness, strong institutions, peace and generational stability.
Earlier in her welcome address, TWOT National President, Barr. Tariere Egbegi, said “TWOT’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, advocate for policy that promote equity, justice , education and sustainable support towards grassroots movement and empowerment to drive positive change.
“Awareness creation on pressing issues that undermine the development of women is not enough, hence collective and active participation, creativity, determination, resilience and courage is required to challenge the prevailing status quo.”
Highpoint of the conference was the inauguration of state chapter coordinators and executives, the investiture of patrons of TWOT International.
Exhibition of made in Bayelsa products, cultural display also featured at the 3-Day event, with delegates from Abuja, Akwa-Ibom, Abia, Bornu, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, Lagos, and Rivers states in attendance.
