Empowering Women, Empowering Society: Standup for Women Society Marks International Women’s Day in Kogi State

By aisha On Mar 12, 2025

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Kogi State Chapter of Standup for Women Society (SWS), a non-governmental organization, embarked on a sensitization visit to the bustling Pata Market. The event aimed to inspire women to become active participants in nation-building, rather than mere spectators.

Muslimat Itopa, the State Chairperson of SWS, led the team and emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, education, and active participation in governance, entrepreneurship, and social progress. She encouraged the women to strive for quality education for their girl children, stressing that women’s education goes beyond the kitchen.

“It’s time for women to take their rightful place in society,” Itopa said. “We must accelerate our efforts to close the gender pay gap, increase women’s representation in leadership positions, ensure access to education and healthcare, and eliminate gender-based violence.”

The SWS team, including National PRO Billy Uwogu, State Secretary Rabi Jibo, and Local Government Coordinator Nene Otonoku, educated the women on the significance of International Women’s Day in the three major languages of the state: Ebira, Igala, and Okun.

The association also provided financial support to some elderly women selling petty trades in the market. One of the beneficiaries, Hajara Sani, appealed to the state government to provide more empowerment programs to boost their businesses.

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Itopa praised the state’s First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Ahmed Usman, for her empowerment programs that have positively impacted many lives in the society. She also acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by women and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating an environment where every woman and girl in Kogi State can flourish.

The event was a resounding success, with many women expressing their gratitude for the inspiration and empowerment they received. As one woman put it, “Today, I realized that I am not just a woman, I am a force to be reckoned with.”