Women under the umbrella of the Women Initiative Movement (WIM) have called for stronger bonds among women to break the barriers restricting them.

The women made the call at the maiden edition of WIM’s Cultural and Award Day held in the Isolo area of Lagos State, tagged A Tapestry of
Cultures.

Founder, WIM, Uyanna Commie Mfon, said the event was a celebration of identity, heritage, excellence, unity, and the remarkable strength of women.

“We proudly present A Tapestry of Cultures, a colourful celebration of the diverse cultural heritage that makes Nigeria truly remarkable. Our cultures are the threads that weave together the beautiful fabric of our nation. From our languages and traditional attire to our music, dances, food, customs, values, and ways of life, every culture tells a story. Every tradition carries a history. Every delicacy evokes memories. Every piece of traditional attire reflects identity and pride.

Culture reminds us of our roots and gives us a sense of belonging. It teaches us where we came from, helps us understand who we are, and gives us the confidence to face the future without losing our identity.

This is why events such as this are so important. We must not allow the richness of our heritage to disappear with time. We must teach the younger generation our stories, preserve our traditions, celebrate our delicacies, and ensure that the beauty of our different cultures remains alive for generations to come.

We are building gradually, intentionally, and purposefully. In no time, WIM will become a household name, not merely because of its popularity, but because of the positive impact we will continue to make in the lives of women and in our communities.”

She called on leaders, saying: “To all our leaders, please use your position and influence to make a positive difference in your communities.
Leadership is not measured only by titles, offices, or positions of authority. True leadership is measured by the lives we touch, the opportunities we create, the people we empower, and the communities we transform.”

Speaking at the event, Titi Oworu said: “We have come together to foster unity and celebrate our diversity. We need more unity for development, so we must see ourselves as one.

We need to bring up our children as Nigerians and not as people divided by ethnicity. A Yoruba person should not find it difficult to marry an Igbo person, or hesitate about marrying a Yoruba. Disunity is one of the problems we are having as Nigerians. It shouldn’t matter who is leading us; we should care more about a better Nigeria and better opportunities.”

Speaking on breaking barriers for women, she added: “Our women should be bold. Whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. If we see beyond what culture has placed on African women, we will liberate ourselves. We need to be part of development.”

On why he supported WIM, Lateef Olatunde Erinfolami said: “Women are the backbone of the family and society. Growth will be slow in any society where women are not supported. Women are mostly emotional, while we men tend to be rigid in decision-making. Women can look at a situation and add another perspective to it. So women are meant to be supported and encouraged in every society.”

Speaking about existing barriers in politics limiting women’s representation, he said: “My message to political leaders is to help women get involved so that they can also contribute their quota to leadership. There are countries being led by women, and they are leading well.

“I am also encouraging our women to get involved in politics and to do so well. Women should also support women. Most of our women do not yet have the capacity to stand shoulder to shoulder with men, but with what WIM is doing today, strong and zealous women will emerge and they will produce leaders. Women are limitless if they are empowered.”