Executive Director Women in Management, Business, and Public Service, (WIMBIZ), Hansatu Adegbite, has encouraged women to empower themselves for self-reliance by seizing any available opportunities instead of waiting for those that may not materialize.

She stated this at the WIMBIZ International Women’s Day programme, in Abuja where she said the theme of this year’s celebration ‘Inspire Inclusion’, speaks to the central.plave of women in economic development.

Highlighting ongoing economic challenges encountered by countless Nigerians, Adegbite urged women to empower themselves for self-reliance by seizing any available opportunities instead of waiting for those that may not materialize.

She noted that Nigeria has prolonged battle with poverty under predominantly male leadership since gaining independence.

“Recent reports from the National Bureau of Statistics reveal that a staggering 65% of Nigerians are categorized as multidimensional poor, equating to approximately 133 million individuals. This concerning statistic disproportionately affects women, underscoring the urgent need for gender-specific strategies to alleviate poverty.

“International Women’s Day serves as a moment to reflect on advancements in human rights and gender equality policies, while also envisioning a brighter future for generations to come.
“Through amplifying the voices and contributions of women, WINBIZ envisions a future where gender parity serves as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s developmental trajectory,” she said.

In light of the prevailing challenges, she encourages individuals to seize opportunities amidst adversity, stressing the significance of grassroots initiatives and self-reliance.

She adds that as Nigeria grapples with the imperative to uplift its most vulnerable populations, WINBIZ’s advocacy for women’s leadership emerges as a beacon of optimism, offering a pathway towards a more equitable and prosperous society.

Adegbite assured that with steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality for over two decades, she asserts that the representation of women in leadership positions is not only a matter of parity but also a fundamental catalyst for socio-economic advancement.