By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu
The Worldwide Organisation for Women (WOW) Africa wowed the world through the WOW Conversation Zero-Zero-Three that took centre-stage inside the posh Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka the capital city of Anambra State.
From 10am, the arrivals and registration had been put into top gear. The moderator-cum-anchor, Mrs Ify Aronu-Okafor, a feisty First Class Graduate of Mass Communication from Nnamdi Azikiwe Universuty, Awka was introduced by Her Worship Phoebe Obineme.
The opening prayer was done by Nkiru Elosuba. Then followed a rendition of the re-introduced first National Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” There was also the Nigeria Women’s Anthem.
The theme for the 2024 WOW Conversation is: “Building Equitable Futures: Women Capacities and Pathways.”
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of WOW Conversation Zero-Zero-Three Mrs Benny Allison-Anene said: “The WOW conversation is a dialogue for men and women in our community to highlight the concerns and issues that affect women’s lives and livelihoods.”
The WOW International President, Ms Nicholeen Peck, stressed WOW’s mission of uniting men and women with the power to nurture and make the best of society.
Chief (Mrs) Carol Ugochukwu (Akwugo Ezenwanyi), the Chief Executive Officer, WOW Africa, Inc. said: “Women are the backbone of our communities and play multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Their contributions are vital for the wellbeing and progress of our community.” She ended on a pulsating note with the Igbo maxims: “Nwanyi bu ife. Oji onye na ana ji onwe ya.”
Attorney Amaka Ada Akudinobi, Board Member WOW International, Executive Director WOW Africa Inc. and Executive Director/Producer of The WOW Conversation who worked tireless to put together the event underscored the pivotal networking germane to the annual enlightenment.
In her Keynote Address, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Anambra State, Prof Sylvia Chika Ifemeje made a splendid case for the domestication of CEDAW in Nigeria. She charged that the female gender still endures much suffering despite the ongoing efforts. It has been her forte to bring to justice child molesters and violators.
The MD/CEO of Anambra State Solid Mineral Development, Prof Charles O. Ofoegbu highlighted his efforts in taking care of widows which eventually took the life of his beloved wife whilst travelling to Ogoni land.
Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University made a case for Negotiated Feminism, aka nego-feminism, thusly: “Through allyship and collaboration, Nego-Feminism aims to challenge systems of oppression and create a more just society for all and while doing all these, we must take the education of the girl-child seriously as we cannot underestimate the huge impact of an educated mind.
“I have used my personal experiences while growing to engage us and how negotiations brought me this far with the hope that as we deepen the conversations, we must learn to be diligent, respectful and most importantly, be proud of who we are as women.”
The irrepressible Prof Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto, Professor of English Language at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was in fine fettle raising awareness of cultural practices that infringe on women’s dignity, human rights, and societal advancement.
The Awka Market Women Leader, Lolo Dorathy Nnebife went deep into communal living to address the issue of “Ife Anyi Cholu”, that is, “what the community wants.”
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ethel Eruchalu, Coordinator of WOW Africa Inc., Southeast Chapter, stated that WOW is determined to extend the frontiers of womanhood toward the status of making crucial contribution to the society.
In a raffle draw, three lucky members of the WOW Community Team became winners of three grinding machines.
The WOW Conversation Zero-Zero-Three in Awka, Anambra State was indeed a watershed event.
100 Days Of Renewed Suffering, Daily Trust Editorial Of Monday September 11, 2023