By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State and Member Governing Board of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Professor Kate Omenugha,fnipr, on Saturday, 1st June 2024, attended Worldwide Organization for Women (WOW) Africa Conversation 003 held in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
Prof. Omenugha who during the event spoke extensively on Nego-Feminism said it was coined from Negotiation and Feminism also known as Negotiated-feminism, stating that it referred to a feminist theory and movement that sought to negotiate a balance between cultural heritage and gender equality through the power of peaceful negotiations.
'It recognizes that women from different backgrounds may face additional barriers due to their race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, or other intersecting identities but, "negotiation(s)" remains the way forward, regardless,' she opined.
The University Don acknowledged that central to Nego-Feminism was the challenge of stereotypes that perpetuate the marginalization of women from minority and marginalized communities, noting that these stereotypes to her, often reinforce negative perceptions and hinder women's progress in various spheres of life, including education, employment, social inclusion and leadership positions, adding that through negotiations, there was nothing the African Woman cannot achieve.
She advised women that as long as they maintain their role of being the neck that moves and turns the head, there would be nothing they could achieve in a contemporary male-dominated society.
She informed that Nego-Feminism highlighted the importance of breaking free from these stereotypes and recognizing the diverse talents and contributions of women from all backgrounds.
'It actively promotes a more inclusive narrative, which celebrates the achievements of women who have defied societal expectations and achieved success against all odds while sustaining the challenging task of being a mother and staying married which many radical feminist fails to imbibe.
'At the core of Nego-Feminism is the belief in empowering women from marginalized communities to become agents of change in their own right. As Nego-Feminist, we recognize that women possess valuable insights and perspectives, which, when included in decision-making processes, can lead to more equitable outcomes. Through allyship and collaboration, Nego-Feminism aims to challenge systems of oppression and create a more just society for all and while doing all these, we must take the education of the girl-child seriously as we cannot underestimate the huge impact of an educated mind. I have used my personal experiences while growing to engage us and how negotiations brought me this far with the hope that as we deepen the conversations, we must learn to be diligent, respectful and most importantly, be proud of who we are as women. she concluded.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer, WOW Africa Incorporated, Chief Mrs Carol Ugochukwu, called for concerted efforts towards giving the girl-child the opportunity to unlock her potentials
Ugochukwu who made the call during the Annual Conference of WOW Anambra State under the theme, 'Building Equitable Futures: Women Capacities and Pathways', noted that women played multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators and entrepreneurs.
'Women are the backbone of our communities and play multi-faceted roles as caregivers, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Their contributions are vital for the well-being and progress of our community.
'The girl child represents the future and promise of progress for any society. Empowering girls unleash their potentials as agents of change fostering economic growth, social stability and sustainable development,' she said.
Earlier, the Southeast Coordinator, WOW Africa, Mrs Ethel Eruchalu, explained that the organisation was committed to pushing the frontiers of womanhood for the purpose of attaining a status where they could contribute at meaningful levels, even as she urged economic empowerment of girl child, describing them as change agents for sustainable development.
For her part, the WOW International President, Ms Nicholeen Peck, said the organisation was working to unite men and women, because according to her, they have power to nurture and make the best of society.
Contributing, the Chairperson of the WOW Conversation 003 Committee, Mrs Benny Allison-Anene, observed that women needed equity and just society to thrive but they were majorly facing obstacles ranging from poor access to education, poor maternal health care, gender-based violence, and early child marriage.
Let us recommit to the cause of building a strong family with good values, gender equity and empowerment of women and girls. Let us work together to break down barriers, promote education and support girls and women in achieving their full potentials,' she said.
Other speakers, including the organisation's Board member, Attorney Amaka Akudinobi and Professor Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto, urged men to stop every discrimination and stigmatisation of women for positive development.
Speaking on the topic, 'The Continued Non-domestication of CEDAW in Nigeria: A Critque', the Keynote Speaker, who is the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Anambra State, Prof Sylvia Chika Ifemeje observed that despite efforts of government, the female gender still suffers in Nigeria, pointing that nothing can be done except CEDAW was domesticated.
She called on Nigerian legislators to work towards representing and domesticating CEDAW and urged women and gender activists not to rest until the bill is domesticated to reduce the sufferings.
Speaking shortly after the function, one of the winners, Miss Chinyere Mbonu commended WOW Africa for the kind gesture, assuring that she would remain a change agent and ambassador for women emancipation.
WOW Africa, is an African branch of the Worldwide Organization for Women, the Organization had participated in numerous United Nations activities since its inception over 30 years ago, with active engagements in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, New York, USA; 1st World Congress of Families in Prague, the Czech Republic; Agenda 21 (Conference on the Environment and Development—Earth Summit), New York, UN building; UN Conference on the Protection of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities in New York, etc.
Major highlight of the event was presentation of three grinding machines to three lucky women after a draw.