By Ikenwa Charity
In a bold move to empower rural women in the country, stakeholders in Nigeria on Wednesday emphasized the need to amplify the voices of rural women in the decision-making spaces.
The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT and the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association in Abuja, brought together stakeholders, including civil society organizations, rural women themselves, and well-meaning Nigerians, to discuss the challenges facing rural women and the need to empower.
The theme: Accelerate Action: Amplifying the Voices of Rural Women according to the organisers aimed to highlight the critical role rural women play in food production, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and the need to involve rural them in decision-making spaces, promoting their rights, equality, and empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, HRM Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, the Etsu of Kwali, noted that rural women are the backbone of Nigerian communities, contributing significantly to agriculture, entrepreneurship, caregiving, and community leadership
“They are farmers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community leaders. They work tirelessly to feed nations, nurture families, and sustain local economies. Yet, despite their immense contributions, they often remain unheard, unseen, and underserved
He decried rural lack of access to education, healthcare, financial resources, and decision-making platforms the rural women face adding that they bear the weight of poverty, Climate change, gender inequality more heavily than most. And yet, they persist, innovate and lead.
“It demands our collective efforts therefore to disassemble the blockages that impede the progress of women, to challenge the stereotypes that restrain their potential, and to create a society where every woman has the immeasurable opportunity to thrive.
“To truly honour rural women, we must move beyond recognition and take action. Their voices must be amplified in decision-making spaces, policy dialogues, and economic Opportunities.”
He assured that these can be achieved through education and digital empowerment is the gateway to opportunity.
“We must invest in literacy programs, vocational training, and digital literacy for rural women, enabling them to access information, markets, and opportunities, Technology should not be a privileged —it should be a bridge that connects rural women to the global society.”
In her address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang underscored the significance of empowering rural women to participate in decision-making spaces.
In her words, “Rural women are the backbone of our communities, and their voices must be heard, we must create opportunities for them to participate in decision-making processes and ensure that their concerns are addressed.”
“The theme for this year’s celebration is Accelerate Action but our event is tagged “Amplifying the Voices of Rural Women”, and I am particularly delighted that we are gathering today to highlight and bring to the forefront the voices of rural women – women whose contributions, struggles, and aspirations are often overlooked.
“These women form the backbone of our societies, yet their stories are frequently left unheard. It is our duty, as members of the media, to ensure that their voices are amplified and their experiences are brought into the light”.
She informed that the struggle for women’s rights is not just about acknowledging the struggles of the past but also about actively participating in shaping a future that is inclusive and just.
The NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim who was represented by Evelyn Onyilo, commended NAWOJ FCT for always coming up with impactful programmes aimed at elevating the status of women and girls.
On her part, the wife of the Ona of Abaji, President Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association HRM Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim shared her experience and key takeaways from the just-concluded Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).
She said there’s need for increased investment in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs for women and girls. She noted that traditional rulers have a critical role to play in promoting positive cultural practices and challenging harmful norms and stereotypes.
” My experience at CSW69 reinforced the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
She called on traditional leaders, governments, civil society organizations, and women’s rights activists to work together to create a more just and equitable society for all.
The wife of the traditional ruler’s participation in CSW69 demonstrates the growing recognition of the critical role that traditional leaders and their spouses can play in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Speaking during the event, the chief host, Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ Abuja Council, urged women to work in solidarity.
“I encourage all of us here to continue working together in solidarity, to raise our voices in unison, and to be agents of change in our respective fields. It is only by amplifying the voices of rural women and providing them with a platform to share their stories that we will be able to move towards a future that is truly equitable for all women and girls.”
She appreciated two rural women with a token of 50000 each.
The event featured cultural presentation that showcased rural women experiences, their challenges and triumphs, panel session, and palliatives for the rural women.
