By Joy Onu
The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Bura, on Thursday praised the FCT chapter’s decision to take its advocacy to the marketplace in Abuja, using the opportunity to push for deelper grassroots engagement and stronger inclusion of women in governance.
The outreach, held at Wuse Market, was organised by NAWOJ FCT in collaboration with partners, bringing together market women and stakeholders for discussions on health, economic empowerment, and political participation.
Bura described the initiative as a bold step that delivers impact at the grassroots, urging women to prioritise their health while preparing to take active roles in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We must move women from the margins to the centre of decision-making,” she said.
She stressed that women must no longer remain passive observers in national affairs.“No more silence on gender-based violence. No more ignorance about health and reproductive rights. No more exclusion from economic opportunities across value chains. And certainly, no more absence of women in leadership as we approach the 2027 elections,” she added.
In her remarks, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, said the outreach was designed to take advocacy and life-saving information directly to women at the grassroots.
“As women journalists, we go beyond reporting—we advocate. That is why we are focusing on vaccine awareness, women’s rights and empowerment, reproductive health, and women’s participation in politics,” she said.
Ikpang also encouraged women to speak up against abuse and seek help when necessary, stressing that their wellbeing must remain a priority.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Vaccine Network, Dr. Chika Offor, addressed misconceptions surrounding immunisation, with particular emphasis on HPV vaccines. She urged mothers to ensure their children are fully immunised, describing vaccines as critical tools in preventing life-threatening diseases.
Also, Dr. Ejike Oji highlighted the importance of reproductive health and encouraged women to enrol in the 5 Million Women Database initiative, which he said is designed to expand access to healthcare, telemedicine, skills development, and economic opportunities—especially for women in the informal sector.
In a keynote address sent to the event on “Women Access to Raw Material Value Chains: A Pathway to Economic Empowerment, Inclusive Growth, and National Development,” the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) underscored the need to integrate women more deeply into Nigeria’s economic value chains.
The council noted that despite Nigeria’s abundance of raw materials from cassava and cotton to shea butter, sesame seeds, and solid minerals—women remain concentrated at the lowest and least profitable levels of the value chain.
It commended NAWOJ for bridging the gap between policy conversations and grassroots realities, emphasising that markets remain the heartbeat of commerce and livelihoods.
According to the council, expanding women’s access to value chains is essential for national development, as economically empowered women contribute to stronger families, thriving communities, and a more resilient economy.
Some of the market women who participated in the outreach expressed appreciation to NAWOJ and its partners, noting that the programme had improved their understanding of reproductive health, immunisation, and civic participation.
They pledged to support credible candidates regardless of political affiliation and called for free, fair, and transparent electoral processes.
Bura also reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots development, including plans to support infrastructure that will improve mobility within markets, particularly for women traders.
