Women have been urged to stop playing victims, recognise their inherent potential, and develop the courage to overcome personal and societal challenges. They were also charged to understand and assert their legal rights, speak out against gender-based violence, protect their property, and build the confidence to pursue their aspirations.

The charge was given at the Beautiful Life Summit organised by the Women’s Ministry of Gateway International Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking at the summit, a lawyer and women’s rights advocate, and Director of the Office of the Public Defender, Dr Evelyn Membere Asimiea, alongside the Co-Pastor of Gateway International Church, Dr Manuela George Izunwa who is also a lawyer , they urged women to take responsibility for their personal development while standing up against injustice and abuse.

The convention, themed “Lady Gibbor: Building Women of Might,” brought together over 1,200 women from states across Nigeria for spiritual renewal, legal enlightenment and personal development.

Speaking on the topic, “A Woman and Her Legal Rights,” Asimiea said every woman deserved dignity, security, property ownership, and protection from all forms of abuse, stressing that religious beliefs should not be used to justify violence or injustice. “Marriage does not make a woman her husband’s property. Being a Christian does not mean that a woman must accept abuse, and forgiveness does not mean that you must remain in danger,” she said.

She urged women to stop treating domestic violence as a private family matter, noting that abuse could be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic. According to her, women experiencing violence should seek appropriate assistance, including medical attention, counselling, police intervention and legal protection, depending on their circumstances.

“As women, we need to change one attitude. Instead of asking a woman, ‘What did you do to make him angry?’ let us sometimes ask, ‘Are you safe?’ That question may save a life.”.

Asimiea also advised women to safeguard their property and financial interests by keeping relevant documents, recording business transactions and seeking legal advice before signing agreements.

She emphasised that daughters should not be discriminated against in inheritance matters because of their gender, urging mothers to educate their daughters about property ownership, financial management and their legal entitlements. “A right that you do not know about can easily be taken away from you. And a right that you know about but do not know how to enforce may remain only words in a law book,” she said.

The public defender encouraged women to seek assistance early rather than wait until disputes over property, inheritance, finances or domestic violence escalated into crises.

In her message, Dr Izunwa urged women to eliminate the victim mentality, develop a can-do spirit and recognise the strength and abilities within them to achieve meaningful results. “Stop playing victim all your life. We have strength; develop that ability. Stop pitying yourself. Develop courage,” she charged.

She stressed that becoming a woman of strength required deliberate training, personal growth and courageous action rather than being determined by personality or circumstances. “Being a mighty woman is built, not inherited,” she said, adding that a woman could be quiet and gentle while still possessing extraordinary strength.

Izunwa urged women not to allow past disappointments, mistakes or difficult circumstances to define their future, encouraging them to focus on personal development rather than compare their journeys with those of others. “You do not become a woman of might by accident. You become one through training,” she said.

Earlier, the President of the church’s Women’s Ministry, Pastor Meg Lawal, described the convention as an annual platform for transformation, empowerment and spiritual renewal, designed to build women who could excel in their homes, careers, ministries and communities.

She said the gathering was intended to equip women with the knowledge, confidence and spiritual strength to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully to their families and society.

Lawal expressed appreciation to Dr Izunwa for her love, encouragement, motherly care and unwavering support for the Women’s Ministry, describing her presence and guidance as invaluable to the women. She urged participants not to underestimate the power of a woman who knows God, understands her purpose and refuses to surrender her destiny to life’s challenges.

Also speaking, the Pastor in charge of the Women’s Ministry, Pastor Evelyn Tony-Enwin, described the summit’s theme as timely, noting that it underscored the need to build spiritually grounded, courageous and resourceful women capable of making a difference in their families and society.

She urged participants to put the lessons from the summit into practice, transform their mindsets and become agents of positive change in their communities. She added that the true impact of the gathering would be reflected in the women’s daily decisions, relationships and contributions to society.

The Publicity Secretary of the Women’s Ministry, Ann Godwin, said the Beautiful Life Summit was designed to address issues affecting women, including legal protection, entrepreneurship, career advancement and personal development.

Speaking during a panel session, Godwin urged women to eliminate distractions, build competence, create value and cultivate the discipline required to excel in their chosen fields. She noted that success required deliberate effort, innovation and continuous improvement, urging women to activate their can-do spirit and position themselves for greater opportunities.

“Be creative. Potential does not guarantee progress. Many people are talented, yet they are poor. You need to be creative and innovative and intentionally up your ante to fit into positions,” she said.

Godwin further encouraged participants to build strategic relationships and networks with accomplished individuals, noting that meaningful connections could open doors to opportunities, knowledge and professional growth. Urging women to celebrate rather than feel threatened by the achievements of others, she said they should reject low self-esteem and recognise that another person’s success did not diminish their own potential.

Other panelists, Pst. Famokuma Amaegbe and Mrs Onome Jennile Ebiobowe-Samuel, also shared insights from their personal experiences and career journeys, inspiring other women to overcome challenges, pursue their aspirations and strive for excellence.