By Chiadi Egbuna, Onitsha
As part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), a youth-driven HeforShe awareness forum is embarking on a disruptive initiative aimed to actualize gender equality and women empowerment in Anambra State.
Making this known to newsmen during an awareness road show in Awka, the State capital and its environs yesterday, the forum’s Convener, Ify Aronu-Okafor noted that the ground-breaking expected to hold at IDk Learning Centre, Awka, this Saturday, 8th March 2025 is not only targeted at gender equality but also youth-driven social transformation.
The Nigeria’s sole Youth Representative at the 2024 Doha Forum, Qatar and anchor of Anambra Youth Hour on ABS Radio/TV disclosed that this maiden youth celebration which coincides with this year’s IWD celebration is a call to action.
“We are bringing together young people, thought leaders, and advocates to chart a new course for gender equality through character-driven leadership and community engagement, “she said.
The youth development advocate hinted that the theme of the event, “Character: Promoting and Protecting Womanhood for Sustainable Community Progress,” serves as a dynamic platform for young people to engage in critical discussions on social transformation and gender equality.
It was gathered that the event would feature strategic panel discussions sessions on the “He for She Session” a dialogue with men who actively support gender equality and advocate for women’s empowerment, and “She Leads Session” – conversation with accomplished women in strategic leadership positions, sharing insights on breaking barriers and inspiring future female leaders.
In addition, the programme will witness a
“Neurohealth Sensitization session,” a special session by Neuro G Foundation to raise awareness on mental health and neurological well-being, crucial aspects of women’s overall empowerment.
Aronu-Okafor who is Nigeria’s Champion of the summit of the future reiterated that “the initiative seeks to ignite a movement of youth-led action in advancing women’s rights and fostering a society where both men and women thrive equally.”
She noted that the forum would bring together youths, activists, policy makers, and media professionals together to drive the social rebirth necessary to create a more equitable society.
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