IWD 2024: We must lobby NASS to pass gender based bills – Ike

…tasks women to challenging injustice, discrimination

By Tom Okpe

The Vice Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Chapter, Comrade Grace Ike has called for intensive lobby of members of the National Assembly in the bid to ensure passage of the gender-sensitive laws, which seek to protect and promote rights of women in all spheres of Nigerian Society.

While pursuing gender equality, Comrade Ike also, tasked womenfolk not to waver in women’s commitment to challenge injustice, discrimination, and inequality at every turn.

She also said inclusivity is not a fleeting notion but, “a cornerstone upon which our movement thrives.

By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, we sow the seeds of a future, where Justices and equity thrives.”

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The Chairperson, House of Representatives’ Press Corps, Comrade Ike gave the charge in Abuja, during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2024, tagged: ‘Together, ensure inclusivity, loud her voice’, organized by Female Journalist Network in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter.

In her address tagged: ‘Together we can do more: Together we will do more. This year we shall do everything together as Women’, Comrade Ike, applauded the resilience of female journalists and other womenfolks for breaking barriers and making their voices heard in the traditionally, male-dominated spaces in the country.

She said: “This year is special as we are gathered to give a united amplification to our collective yearnings and desires. Particularly the secret pain and muffled ambitions of women.

“This year, we shall speak truth to power. We shall speak to each other as we speak for each other. This journey is a collective one and we shall move as one united and unbreakable vanguard.

“Dear sisters, it is an honor to address you all on this great occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, organized by Female Journalist Network.

“As we gather under the theme: ‘Together: Ensure inclusivity, loud her voice,’ we are reminded of the indispensable role women play in shaping our societies and charting the course towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

“This year, our words would become action and a force that will pull us all to the promise land. There is just one bend before we get to the end of the tunnel and I see light, already.

“As Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Nigeria, and the Vice Chairman of the Correspondents’ chapel of the FCT, I stand before you as a testament to the progress women makes, in breaking barriers and making their voices heard in traditionally, male-dominated spaces.

“I have also worked with female lawmakers, wives of top politicians and great women who have excelled as professionals.”