Women in Rivers State have been urged to move beyond emotions and deliberately build visibility, communication skills, and leadership capacity to increase their participation in politics and decision-making.
The call was made on Monday during the Women Inclusion Project themed “Empowering Women, Strengthening Our Bar, Building Our Future,” organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, FIDA Country Vice President and President of FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, represented by Nnenna Igbokwe, said women must move from awareness to action by ensuring they occupy decision-making spaces.
She stressed that inclusion goes beyond being invited into leadership circles, noting that women must also have a voice in shaping decisions.
According to her, intentional advocacy, mentorship and sponsorship are necessary to dismantle barriers limiting women’s participation in politics and leadership.
“We must ensure every woman has the sponsorship and platform she deserves. Inclusion is not passive; it requires deliberate action and sustained advocacy,” she said.
Also speaking, Programme Director of Garden City Radio, Otunuahia Azunwena, who delivered a presentation on “Women Visibility,” urged women aspiring to political office to prepare themselves mentally and professionally for the challenges of politics.
She advised women not to allow negative campaigns or false narratives to discourage them but to respond promptly through effective communication.
Azunwena noted that while men often counter political attacks immediately, many women become emotional and withdraw from public engagement.
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She encouraged female politicians to embrace traditional and social media, overcome the fear of public speaking, and develop strong media engagement skills.
According to her, visibility and strategic communication are essential tools for women seeking elective positions.
FIDA Rivers State Secretary, Okorite Yobo, said the advocacy was part of a nationwide FIDA Nigeria project aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics and leadership.
She urged women not to wait to be invited into leadership positions but to actively seek opportunities and participate in political processes.
Yobo expressed confidence that the campaign would boost women’s participation in the forthcoming elections and other governance processes.
Earlier, Chairperson of FIDA Rivers, Tamunoibuemi Life-George, led members of the association on an advocacy visit to the Rumuola Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where they engaged the traditional institution on the need to include women in community decision-making and political leadership.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Rumuola Clan, His Royal Highness Henry Wondi (Eze Epara Ola IV, Nyenwe-Eli), said the community had abolished several harmful widowhood practices and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of women and promoting their inclusion in community affairs
