Grassroots Development: NAWOJ Empowers Market Women in FCT, Pledges Mobility Support

The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Bura, has commended the FCT chapter of the association for taking advocacy directly to the grassroots, describing its marketplace outreach as a bold and impactful initiative aimed at empowering women where it matters most.

She gave the commendation during a marketplace advocacy programme held at Wuse Market, Abuja, organised by NAWOJ FCT in collaboration with its partners.

Addressing the market women, Hajia Ibrahim Bura urged them to prioritise their health while also taking deliberate steps toward leadership and active participation in the 2027 general elections, in order to enhance women’s representation in governance.

She stressed that the era of marginalisation must come to an end, declaring that women must no longer remain passive participants but should actively influence outcomes, take up leadership roles, and contest elective positions.

“No more silence on gender-based violence. No more ignorance about health and reproductive rights. No more exclusion from economic opportunities across the value chain. And certainly, no more absence of women in leadership as we approach the 2027 elections,” she stated.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, said the initiative was designed to deliver information, empowerment, and life-saving knowledge 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, reproductive health, and political participation,” she said.

She further encouraged women to speak out, seek help when necessary, and prioritise their well-being, noting that “a woman must be alive and well to fulfil her roles in the family and society.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Vaccine Network, Dr Chika Offor, addressed vaccine myths and misconceptions, particularly highlighting the importance of HPV vaccine uptake. She urged women to ensure their children are fully immunised, noting that vaccines remain a critical tool in preventing life-threatening diseases.

In his presentation, Dr Ejike Oji spoke on reproductive health and encouraged women to enrol in the 5 Million Women Database Initiative. He explained that the platform provides access to health information, telemedicine, skills development, and economic opportunities.

Dr Oji reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to building a digital ecosystem that supports women—especially those in the informal sector—to improve their livelihoods, visibility, and access to essential services.

In a keynote address presented at the event on the theme, “Women’s Access to Raw Material Value Chains: A Pathway to Economic Empowerment, Inclusive Growth, and National Development,” the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) emphasised the need to integrate women into the core of Nigeria’s economic value chains.

The Council commended NAWOJ for creating a strategic platform that bridges policy discussions with grassroots realities, noting that markets remain the true heartbeat of commerce and livelihoods.

It further observed that although Nigeria is richly endowed with raw materials—from cassava and cotton to shea butter, sesame seeds, and solid minerals—women still operate largely at the lowest and least profitable levels of the value chain.

The address stressed that expanding women’s access to these value chains is critical to national development, noting that when women are economically empowered, families thrive, communities prosper, and the nation grows stronger.

Some of the participating market women expressed appreciation to NAWOJ and its partners for the initiative, stating that it had significantly improved their understanding of reproductive health, immunisation, and civic participation.

They also pledged to vote for credible candidates regardless of political affiliation and called on the government to ensure that electoral processes remain free, fair, transparent, and inclusive.

The NAWOJ National Chairperson reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots development, including plans to support infrastructure that will enhance mobility within the market, particularly for women.