As the world celebrates the International Day for Women, the Step Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ) has called on women to invest in themselves to be positioned to contribute significantly to the development of society and the world at large.
In a statement issued in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, themed ‘Accelerate Action,’ the Executive Director of SWIJ, Ann Godwin, said women should be firm in building their capacities, improving their skills, and creating values that will break the stereotype barriers in all spheres of life.
She said, “Women should make efforts to grow continually. Do not stay at the same level for too long. Growth will cost you, but not growing will cost you more.”
Godwin further encouraged women to be vocal at decision-making tables, be bold, and courageously contribute their quota on matters that directly affect them.
She noted that despite a phenomenal shift in today’s world, where women have moved to becoming great leaders, innovators, and changemakers, there are still noticeable gaps faced by women and girls, including employment opportunities, leadership positions, occupational segregation, education, and political appointments, as well as problems of gender-based violence, among others.
The Executive Director of SWIJ, therefore, urged governments at all levels to promote inclusive policies that will benefit and empower women and create a conducive environment for them to thrive. She stressed that the imperative for women’s empowerment cannot be overemphasised as a key to building a peaceful and sustainable society.
She also advised women to support and celebrate other women who have shown sterling leadership qualities and achieved great feats in their fields. She said, “Don’t be drained by the success of others. Women grow faster when they support each other.”
“Also, women who have attained amiable heights should genuinely support others to grow. Don’t remove the ladder after you have climbed. Be a ‘tap,’ not a ‘trap’,” Godwin said. “As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, I urge women to carve a niche for themselves. The world is no longer embracing dreariness and poverty. Fight for your dreams and build strategic relationships to enable you to succeed. Success takes a fight.”
Godwin, while calling for safer spaces and protection for women in journalism, reiterated SWIJ’s commitment to promoting excellence among female journalists in the Niger Delta region.
