Stop Gender-Based Violence: 16 Days of Activism

As the 16 Days of Activism to stop Gender-based violence officially comes to an end today, we need to keep the conversation and movement going.

Awareness and building solidarity are very important in fighting this menace. Millions of women and girls in Africa and beyond still suffer from gender-based violence till date.

Women and girls should be protected and boys and men should be properly educated as they are allies to combatting this phenomenon.

Victims should be encouraged to speak out and share their stories. Communities should organize enlightenment programmes, put in place marital dispute mediations, empower survivors of gender-based violence and provide assistance for their rehabilitation.

Together we can end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

Happy International Women's Day!!! This year’s theme, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality", is in alliance with Save Our Needy's passion and purpose.

This year, International Women's Day celebrates the contributions of the women and girls committed to building gender-responsive innovations and advancing innovation and digital technology.

Over the years, we have initiated and successfully implemented technology-related projects that have empowered both marginalized women and girls and given them the opportunity to not only gain financial freedom but break ceilings. Projects namely "Connecting Marginalized Women to Technology and Development", "Tech Girls" and "Girls Up" have been instrumental to creating transformative change through the use of technology, advancing innovation and promoting gender equality.

With less than 10 years to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we still have a lot to do in order to close the huge gender digital divide. We need to demystify the notion that women cannot be leaders in technology. Together, we can close the digital gender gap!

The Nigeria IWD Awards Gala 2023: Embrace Equity

The second edition of the International Women's Day (IWD) Awards Gala which took place last Saturday, February 18th, was indeed a day to remember.

Convened by UN Women and UNDP in partnership with the British High Commission, the European Union Delegation and the Embassies of France, Germany, the United States of America and Democratic Republic of Congo, the 2023 International Women's Day (IWD) Awards Gala placed emphasis on the importance of male allyship in advancing gender equality by recognising the contributions of key male allies through the newly introduced HeForShe Award.

The Gala aims to increase the visibility of examplary Nigerian women as well as recognize their achievements; advocate for increased women’s political representation; and incentivize change by publicly recognizing women’s empowerment champions.

The Gala celebrates extraordinary Nigeria women who are breaking glass ceilings and advancing women inclusion in the economic, political, social, and cultural sectors of the country.

International artiste ASA, thrilled guests with a superlative performance.

High- level guests at the event included representatives from UN Women, UNDP and the Women Ambassadors of the British High Commission, US Embassy, France Embassy, German Embassy, Australian Embassy, and the European Union Delegation.

Ambassadors Mary Beth Leonard (USA) and Emmanuelle BLATTMANN (France), Dr. Obiageli (Oby) Ezekwesili, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and Chief Mrs Nike Davies-Okundaye were some of the high profile guests who graced the event.

Prestigious awards were presented across categories such as Political Leadership and Governance; Private Sector; Grassroots and Civil Society; Media and Entertainment; HeForShechampion; Feature Award: DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality; and Outstanding Woman Leader. HE Pauline Tallen and Kemi Adetiba were among the recipients of the awards.

Renowned comedian/compère, Chigurl, was on hand to liven up the event.

Ably represented by our Founder/CEO, Marvella Odili, the event gave her the opportunity to renew old ties and network with high-level guests.

As this year's theme is #EmbraceEquity with the UN theme focused on "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality", let's all continue to be advocates for progressive gender representation for a more equitable society where gender equality is not just a topic for discussion but engrained in every society's DNA as part of our existential substance. As they say, the future is female and the future is NOW!