Access to quality education, gender equity, and values reorientation have been identified as critical components for women striving to achieve their full potential in leadership roles.
These themes formed the crux of discussions at the inaugural conference of The Woman of Today Development Association (TWOT) International, Nigeria, held over the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
With the theme, “The Need for the Now: From Awareness to Action,” the three-day event gathered stakeholders, leaders, and advocates from across Nigeria to champion women’s inclusion and empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, Head of Service of the Federation, emphasized the importance of education, digital innovation, and strategic use of available opportunities for women aspiring to lead.
She stressed that the evolving global socio-economic and political landscape requires active female participation in decision-making processes.
Walson-Jack, emphasized the need for women seeking leadership position to embrace education, digital innovations and harness various opportunities within their reach.
According to her, “the evolving economic, socio- political world systems demands women’s involvement in the decisions making processes, however, only women who are ready, having distinct qualities, and capabilities such as hardwork, integrity, perseverance will occupy leadership positions.
“The competitive environment requires huge sacrifices embedded in hardwork, intentional goals, determination, empathy from women to achieve their full potential. Women in pursuit of results and GREATER heights, does so outside their comfort zone.”
She emphasized that “sacrifices often times precedes success, I therefore urge women to thrive to set the agenda instead rather than support the agenda being set for the women by other persons, all the time.”
Walson-Jack urged women to lead conversations and set agendas rather than merely support those created by others.
On her part, the President and Founder TWOT International, Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri, described the organization as a platform for a paradigm shift designed to empower women to lift others through education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.
She said “TWOT was birthed as a structured paradigm shift, where the empowered woman relishes on her advantaged position to uplifting other women and girls across diverse regions.
“Over the years, women have been known for and identified as recipients of negative socio- political, economic and cultural stereotypes. TWOT is tying strings of a new path appropriately with strategic structures for women and girls.
“TWOT is avowed to quality and affordable education for women and girls, entrepreneurship development through knowledge insights and opportunities within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
“TWOT is that cover where every woman can shine, take actions to pull another woman up by supporting, encouraging, standing For, with and by a sister against the tide of stereotypes, cultural limitations, inequity, inequality, gender and sexual based violences, and all forms of discrimination.”
She added that “the picture of our envisioned society where peace and justice reign can be achieved when women take more responsibilities, surmounting challenges and reach the peak in leadership, influence policy and decisions making for an inclusive society.”
In a special address, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakassa Ayemieye, highlighted the unique challenges faced by women at the peak of their careers often influenced by societal expectations and family dynamics.
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She advocated for value-based decision-making, particularly in partner selection, to reduce divorce rates and promote mental well-being.
In goodwill messages, dignitaries including Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba (Chairman, Bayelsa House Committee on Gender), Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai (Commissioner for Information), HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council), Captain Matthew Karimo (Rtd), and Rt. Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, PhD, praised Dr. Gloria Diri for her vision and reiterated their commitment to supporting women’s empowerment.
They noted that women’s contributions are vital to national development and that an inclusive society promotes justice, equity, institutional strength, and generational stability.
In her welcome address, Barr. Tariere Egbegi, National President of TWOT Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for policies that promote education, equity, and sustainable grassroots development.
“Awareness is not enough, we need active participation, resilience, and creativity to disrupt the status quo and drive meaningful change.”
A major highlight of the conference was the inauguration of TWOT State Chapter Coordinators and Executives, as well as the investiture of its Patrons.
A panel session featuring HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Dr. Juliet Teibowei, and Dr. Helen Bob, moderated by Taribio Walson-Oweifawari, delved into the challenges and progress of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
The panel also discussed the importance of political inclusivity and the current push for constitutional amendments, including reserved legislative seats for women.
The conference also featured a cultural display, an exhibition of Made-in-Bayelsa products, and delegates from over 14 states including Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Borno, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, Lagos, and Rivers.
