The Anambra State Government and the State’s Command Chapter of Civil Defence Officers Wives Association (CDOWA) have reaffirmed their commitment to women empowerment and gender equality.
They made the pledge on Saturday in commemoration of 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) themed “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
However, they specifically focus on “Accelerating Action for Gender Equality”, with various units in attendance, including CDOWA, Gender Unit, Female Special Force, and Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration Unit personnel at the event in Anambra.
According to SC Okadigbo Edwin, the Head, Media and Tactical Operations of Anambra NSCDC, the event kicked off with a road walk on Friday, March 7, 2025, from Ekwueme Square to Eke Awka Roundabout, Awka.
The grand finale was held at Women Development Centre, Awka, on Saturday and it started with a prayer summit, and climaxed into a robust session with the women.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo welcomed all the women groups and urged them to join the good fight of Governor Charles Soludo in purging the state of unwholesome traditional practices.
Mrs. Obinabo stressed the need to discourage the “get rich quick syndrome” prevalent amongst the youths.
She further encouraged them that all good actions in favour of women are being accelerated despite the increasing gender based violence (GBV) faced by women.
“In line with the global celebrations, the Anambra State Government reiterated its commitment to fostering a society where every woman and girl can thrive, contribute, and achieve their full potential. Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of sustaining a women-friendly society, where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality,” the Commissioner stated.
Similarly, the CDOWA Chairperson, Mrs. Blessing Maku, represented by the CDOWA Secretary, Mrs. Nneka Azuka said that the celebration also highlights the need for bold and collective action towards achieving gender equality.
Mrs. Maku emphasised the importance of dismantling systemic barriers, challenging biases, and ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in education, leadership, healthcare, and governance.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde who was represented by OC Anti-Human Trafficking, ACC Nwufor Ebere congratulated the women on IWD, noting that investing in women yields significant returns.
Olatunde explained that empowering women is essentially investing in the future of communities, economies, and societies.
