The Development Initiative of West Africa(DIWA),has convened the Twenty Twenty Six women summit, with the theme: Empowering Voices and Advancing Women’s Rights within faith and societies.

Participants were drawn from civil society organizations,government stakeholders, religious, and traditional leaders across Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and FCT respectively.

In his keynote address,the Chief Executive Officer DIWA,Daoda Kanneh,noted that the summit reflects DIWA’s unwavering commitment to creating safe space where women’s voices are not only heard but amplified,also where those voices influence decisions that shapes the society.

“Daoda added”.We are gathered at a time when the world continues to grapple with rising inequalities, deepening social divides,and persistent Gender-Based Violence across our communities,too many women still face barriers to participation,discrimination rooted in harmful norms, and violence that undermines their dignity and potential”.

According to him”.This summit reflects our unwavering commitment to creating safe spaces where women voices are not only heard but amplified and where those voices influence decisions that shape our societies”. He added.

Kanneh had maintained that at the end of the event more commitment, partnerships is expected to drive action long after the summit.

Earlier,the Gender/GBV Specialist, United Nations Population Fund,Doctor Zubaida Abubakar, said there is need to empower women and girls,so that they would be able to fulfil their potential.

Zubaida emphasized that empowering women is key to national development.

Also speaking, the Executive Director(E.D),Centre for Accountability Annu Rotimi, asserted that the social,and economic challenges women face despite advocacies,calling for equity and not equality.

National Chief Imam Alhabibiyyah Mosque Abuja,Imam Fuad Adeyemi said the role of religious leaders is to perfect the lives of thier followers, while emphasizing that Islam describes women as special.

In seperate goodwill messages, Dr Wede Wallace Edhure from International Community School Abuja,Misses Chinatu Audrey Azubogu from North South Power Foundation and Former National Ameerah FOMWAN,Hajia Halima Jibrin, all reminded all that the future seeked where women’s right are protected is possible but requires courage, commitment, and action, calling for concerted efforts.

The President Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Kogi state Chapter, Dr Adefunmilola Onifade,who spoke on behalf of other participants,commended DIWA for putting together the event, affirming that whatever deliberations and recommendations made at the event will be judiciously put to use.