The Chairperson of the TUC FCT Women’s Commission, Mrs. Sandra Ogbonna, has called on women to take proactive steps toward leadership rather than waiting for opportunities to be handed to them.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration in Abuja, themed “Accelerate Action Towards Occupying Positions of Authority,” Ogbonna emphasized that leadership positions must be actively pursued.
She noted the persistent gender gap in leadership and urged women to equip themselves with knowledge, support one another, challenge barriers, and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusivity.
“We must break self-imposed limitations and take our rightful place in leadership,” she said, encouraging women to engage in governance and politics.
The Secretary of the Commission, Uche Ukachukwu, underscored the importance of resilience in advancing women’s empowerment, stressing that women’s achievements must never be overlooked.
“The knowledge we gain in spaces like this is invaluable. You may not realize its significance now, but one day, you will,” she said.
She reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions and urged attendees to reflect, learn, and continue pushing for gender equality.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Grace Ike, called on women to be intentional in supporting one another, stressing that mere lip service would not drive progress in gender parity.
Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged the support she received from women like the union’s secretary but emphasized that such support must be based on merit rather than emotion or gender solidarity.
“We should not blindly follow someone just because she is a woman. Let us do our due diligence, and if she is competent, why not support her?” Ike stated.
She criticized women who refuse to support others due to personal interests, describing them as obstacles to real progress.
Calling for a shift from performative activism to measurable action, she urged women to evaluate their impact before each Women’s Day celebration.
“We must not just gather every year to talk. By 2026, we should be able to point to tangible achievements from 2025. How many women did we uplift? Who did we empower? If we do not have results, then we are merely running in circles,” she said.
Ike proposed initiatives such as legislative advocacy, gender-sensitive laws, and lobbying for special seats for women in political and decision-making spaces. She also stressed the importance of mentorship and grassroots economic empowerment.
“It is not about having millions. Have you given a woman ₦20,000 to start a petty trade? Have you given ₦5,000 to help someone start a small recharge card business? These are the real actions that change lives,” she argued.
She warned against hypocrisy in the women’s movement, vowing to expose those who claim to support gender equality but work against it in private.
“At the current rate, gender parity will not be achieved until 2158. This delay is unacceptable. We must act decisively. Enough of the talk—let’s make women’s support intentional and impactful,” she declared.
The FCT Chairman of the TUC Commission, Comrade Paul Audu, called for urgent action to dismantle barriers preventing women from occupying leadership positions.
He reaffirmed the trade union movement’s commitment to equality, stressing that empowering women strengthens workplaces, policies, and society as a whole.
“Talent is not gendered! Competence knows no chromosomes! Yet, systemic barriers continue to hold back the incredible potential of our women,” he stated.
Audu urged everyone to accelerate change by challenging the status quo and actively dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement, stressing that real progress will only come when women’s voices are heard at the highest levels.
(NAN)