REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Doctor Nonye Soludo, has called on women across the state and the country to take a more active role in politics and leadership, stressing that real change can only happen when women participate directly in decision-making processes.
Doctor Soludo made the call in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, where she highlighted the need for renewed strategies in advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
According to her, while conversations about gender equality have continued for decades through studies, seminars, protests and advocacy, there is a need to move beyond discussions to practical actions that will ensure meaningful progress for women in society.
She noted that women must no longer remain on the sidelines but should instead position themselves at the centre of leadership and governance.
Doctor Soludo also commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for proposing legislation that would guarantee a mandatory number of seats for women in the National Assembly.
She described the proposal as a commendable step toward fair representation and urged that similar provisions should be considered for State Houses of Assembly across the country.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Empower Her, Elevate All,” the Anambra First Lady emphasized that empowering women goes beyond advocacy, saying it involves creating equal opportunities, protecting women and girls from abuse and discrimination as well as ensuring that they can grow, succeed, and lead without societal barriers.
Doctor Nonye Soludo further highlighted several initiatives of the Anambra State Government aimed at improving the lives of women and girls which included free education , free antenatal care and delivery services, cervical cancer screening programmes that have reached over ten thousand women, and the establishment of a special magistrate court to handle gender-based violence cases.
She also noted that the recruitment of over eight thousand teachers many of them women and the creation of competitive opportunities for women in the state civil service demonstrate the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
The governor’s wife added that through her non-governmental initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, women across communities are being encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles while participating in community-based programmes that promote social development.
