By Gloria Ikibah

The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Grace Ike has called for intensive lobby of members of the National Assembly for the passage of gender-sensitive bills that seek to protect and promote the rights of women in all spheres of the Nigerian Society.

Comrade Ike who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives’ Press Corps, stated this at an event Monday, in Abuja in commemoration of the 2024  International Women’s Day, tagged: ‘Together ensure inclusivity, loud her voice’, organized by Female Journalist Network in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter.

In her address tagged: “Together we can do more: Together we will do more. This year we shall do everything together as Women”, she applauded the resilience of Female Journalists and womenfolk for breaking barriers and making their voices heard in the traditionally male-dominated spaces the country.

She said: “This year is special as we are gathered to give a united amplification to our collective yearnings and desires. Particularly the secret pain and muffled ambitions of women. This year we shall speak truth to power. We shall speak to each other as we speak for each other. This journey is a collective one and we shall move as one united and unbreakable vanguard.

“Dear sisters, it is an honor to address you all on this great occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, organized by the Female Journalist Network. As we gather under the theme ‘Together: Ensure inclusivity, loud her voice,’ we are reminded of the indispensable role women play in shaping our societies and charting the course towards a more inclusive and equitable world. This year, our words would become action and a force that will pull us all to the promise land. There is just one bend before we get to the end of the tunnel and I see light already.

“As the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Nigeria, and the Vice chairman of the Correspondents’ chapel of the FCT, I stand before you as a testament to the progress women have made in breaking barriers and making their voices heard in traditionally male-dominated spaces. I have also worked with female lawmakers, wives of top politicians and great women who have excelled as professionals.”

In pursuit of gender equality, Comrade Ike tasked womenfolk not to “waver in their commitment to challenge injustice, discrimination, and inequality at every turn.

She added: “Inclusivity is not a fleeting notion but a cornerstone upon which our movement thrives. By embracing diverse voices and perspectives, we sow the seeds of a future where every woman flourishes.

“Let us also pay homage to the indispensable role of female journalists in shaping narratives and amplifying our voices. Their unwavering dedication to illuminating our struggles merits our unswerving support and appreciation.

“To empower our Female Journalists, we must equip them with the tools and opportunities needed to excel. Comprehensive training and mentorship programs are essential in nurturing their talents and ensuring their voices reverberate far and wide. Let us redouble our efforts to advocate for gender parity in media representation, fostering a more inclusive and representative discourse.

“In closing, I commend each woman for her resilience, for every scar borne is a testament to our collective strength, and every tear shed a tribute to our shared journey. The dawn of victory draws near, beckoning us to celebrate the triumphs of women everywhere.

“Let us pledge to march forward hand in hand, amplifying her voice and forging a future where every woman thrives. Together, we possess the power to realize our dreams and shape a brighter tomorrow for generations to come”.