Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Jaji Chapter has joined women across the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8, urging women to unite in driving meaningful changes in the society.

The theme of this year’s event was: “Accelerating Action, Amplifying Impact, Building Alliance for Equality, Promoting Character Transformation, Good Morals and Societal Core Values” held at Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment.

In her remarks, the Coordinator NAOWA Jaji Chapter, Hajiya Halimatu Ibrahim described women as the backbone of the families, communities and societies, saying women are the change makers, trailblazers and the leaders the society required.

She noted that women around the world continue to face significant challenges from Gender Based Violence and discrimination to unequal access to education, health care and economic opportunities, enjoining women not to be discouraged but determined than ever to accelerate their actions, amplifying their voices and building alliances that would propel them towards a more just, equitable and peaceful society.

Hajiya Ibrahim acknowledged the critical role men play in promoting gender equality and challenging discriminatory norms and practices, seeking more support from men in promoting gender equality and putting an end to discriminatory norms and practices.

The Coordinator reiterated the commitment of the NAOWA Jaji Chapter to building alliances, amplifying Impact and accelerating actions to promote gender equality, character transformation and societal core values.

Hajiya Ibrahim used the occasion to launch her mentorship programme for the Jaji Military Cantonment youths, assuring everyone that the programme would provide guidance, support and inspiration to young people living in the Cantonment.

She added that the programme would help the Cantonment youths develop into confident, responsible and successful individuals.

The Coordinator further stated that the programme would match young people with positive role models and mentors that will provide guidance, support and encouragement for the youth through training and workshops on character development, life skills and leadership.

Hajiya Ibrahim requested all stakeholders’ support and commitment in making the vision a reality.

Highlights of the event were lectures delivered by resource persons, playlets, presentation of souvenirs which culminated in group photograph to mark the end of the event.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion are the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim OFR, the representative of the Commandant Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Brigadier General Abubakar Bello, Acting Chief of Staff, Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, executive members of the NAOWA, Jaji Chapter among others.