NAWOJ FCT honours Mairo Tanko Al-Makura as Matron, partners Tallafi Foundation to strengthen women empowerment advocacy
By Joy Onu
Where men do not give women opportunities, women should create their own spaces and invite them to the table as partners, President of the Tallafi Women and Youth Foundation, Mairo Tanko Al-Makura, has said.
“If they are not giving us a seat, we should have our own seats and invite them to the table as partners,” she said, noting that women are not in competition with men but are seeking collaboration and shared progress.
Speaking during the visit, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Bassey Ita Ikpang, described Al-Makura as a compassionate leader whose humanitarian interventions continue to positively impact widows, youths, and vulnerable groups across communities.
Ikpang said the association, which comprises about 350 practising female journalists in the FCT, remains committed to ethical journalism, gender advocacy, and sustained reporting on issues affecting women and children.
She noted that NAWOJ FCT has closely followed the activities of the Tallafi Foundation, particularly its interventions in empowerment, education support, and relief for vulnerable families.
According to her, the partnership would enable NAWOJ FCT to leverage its media platforms to amplify the foundation’s impact and extend its reach to more communities.
The chairperson also disclosed plans for a Marketplace Advocacy Event as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, aimed at engaging grassroots women on health awareness, economic empowerment, and social protection.
Ikpang further highlighted recent collaborations involving the association, including capacity-building engagements with the German Embassy and ongoing free cancer screening for members in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health at the Federal Medical Centre.
In her response, Al-Makura expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to women empowerment, education support, and humanitarian outreach.
She said her foundation has remained active in sponsoring students, supporting schools, and providing medical and economic assistance to vulnerable women and families.
She also urged women to strengthen mentorship networks, noting that sustainable progress depends on women supporting and uplifting one another rather than competing.
Al-Makura assured NAWOJ FCT of her willingness to collaborate closely in advancing programmes that uplift women and promote inclusive development.
She further thanked the association for recognising her contributions even after leaving public office, describing the gesture as encouraging and deeply appreciated.
The visit ended on a shared resolve to turn advocacy into impact, as NAWOJ FCT and the Tallafi Foundation committed to a partnership focused on expanding women’s voices, deepening empowerment initiatives, and driving meaningful change at the grassroots.
