Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has urged women to get involved in politics to change the dynamics and achieve democratic governance in the country.
Soludo made the call in Awka when she hosted female health workers to celebrate the 2024 international Women’s Day marked every March 8.
International Women’s Day is to acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women as well as a call-to-action for gender equality.
This year’s commemoration had the theme – ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.
She said that getting involved in politics would help women mobilise the political will and resources to address existential issues faced by women in the society.
“It is sad that women are still dealing with cultural issues like female genital mutilation, societal pressure, molestation, battery, abuses, stigma and short-changing rules.
“We have a big role to play in addressing these problems and achieving the desired results. But we cannot play that role if we do not get involved in politics.
“The era is gone when politics is seen as a dirty game or men-only affair. Women can change the dynamics. We certainly can, so that we can be actively involved in key decisions that affect us,” she said.
Soludo urged young women to emulate women who have broken high glass ceilings to make historical marks on national and global record books.
She said: “You, too, can. Being a woman gives you that extra motivation to think big, dream big, and achieve big. Remember that there is never a limit to what you can achieve as a woman.”
Soludo urged the female health workers and women in general to champion Healthy Living culture in their homes, workplace and communities.
She also commended the present administration for investing in women through the free education policy and free antenatal and delivery service in the state.
According to her, a livable and prosperous homeland cannot be achieve without the vision, brilliance, and tenacity of great women.
Also speaking, Mrs Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, Commissioner for Special Duties, urged government at all levels to create opportunities for women to thrive in their careers and businesses.
Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche urge residents to support the Healthy Living campaign to have a healthy and greener society.
“Women need to support each effort, policy, and action that is made to bring solutions. Healthy Living campaign is making huge impact because it is when you are well that you can accomplish a lot,”she said.