Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) recently honored 16 remarkable women from the South-East region for their outstanding contributions to capacity building, leadership, and entrepreneurship. This celebratory event, the South-Eastern Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship Awards (SEWLEA), was held at Predia Hotel in Enugu on May 26, 2024, and was supported by ActionAid Nigeria and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Chief Ijeoma Joy Oguadimma, Executive Director of WEPBI, emphasized the importance of recognizing women who have demonstrated exceptional capacity, courage, and leadership in advocating for justice, human rights, gender equity, and the empowerment of women and girls.
“We gather not just to celebrate an event, but to honour the remarkable achievements of women who are tirelessly shaping a brighter future and changing the narratives in our region,” Oguadimma stated. “These women have shattered glass ceilings and become inspiring role models for generations to come.”
The awards celebrated women dedicated to societal development and the upliftment of other women. Oguadimma highlighted WEPBI’s significant achievements, noting that 133 women now hold traditional cabinet roles, 37 are in Town Union Executive positions, and 23 serve in neighborhood watch. Furthermore, over 700 women have been trained for leadership roles, five have been elected as ward councilors, and soft loans have been provided to over 35 women to enhance economic stability.
The event featured insightful lectures, the unveiling of the second edition of WEPBI’s quarterly magazine, “The Woman Magazine,” cultural dances by Adanta Cultural Troupe, a musical performance by Makysha, and goodwill messages.
Dr. Nnenna Anozie, National Director of Programme for the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOVW), delivered a keynote address highlighting the indispensable role of women in nation-building. “Women work across party lines, respond effectively to constituent concerns, and prioritize health, education, and other key development indicators,” Anozie remarked. She stressed that meaningful advancement cannot occur where women are excluded.
Nono Chinwemma Ozokwo, addressing entrepreneurship, encouraged women to pursue their goals undeterred. “Everyone has the blood of a woman running in them,” she said.
Chukwuemeka Ephraim Okenwa, CEO of Lead Network, praised women’s leadership capabilities and urged them to participate actively in leadership despite prevailing challenges.
The event was attended by a diverse audience, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, town union leaders, women groups, youths, and government functionaries.
Founded on October 1, 2016, WEPBI is a non-profit organization committed to sustainable, people-oriented development and delivering humanitarian aid locally and regionally within Nigeria, with a global outlook. With the vision of an equitable society in which everyone enjoys equal rights irrespective of gender, creed, and other affiliations, the organization champions inclusivity in political governance, peace and conflict resolution, gender rights, and advocates for education that empowers women to achieve their full potential.