INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025 – Call To Action For Women’s Rights, Otti’s Commitment To Gender Inclusion, Equality
By Prince Okey Kanu
Every year, on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women, highlighting ongoing challenges, and advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society. The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over and that collective efforts are needed to ensure a just and fair world for every woman and girl.
In Abia State, under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, we are proud to align with this global movement by fostering an environment where women and girls thrive. At the heart of this agenda is the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, whose tireless dedication to women’s empowerment, child welfare, youth development, and the fight against gender-based violence has continued to make a significant impact in our state.
Achieving gender equality requires deliberate policies and actions that uplift women economically, socially, and politically. The administration of Governor Alex Otti recognizes the indispensable role of women in governance and has ensured their inclusion in key leadership positions. This commitment is evident in the composition of his administration, where women occupy 28% of the governor’s cabinet, playing vital roles in decision-making and governance.
Furthermore, under this administration:
-Permanent Secretaries – Women constitute an impressive 67% of this category, demonstrating the administration’s trust in female leadership in the civil service.
- Special Assistants – Women make up 32%, ensuring that policies affecting women and communities are well-articulated.
- Chief Medical Directors (CMDs), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), General Managers (GMs), and Directors-General (DGs) – Women hold 21% of these high-ranking positions, contributing their expertise in critical sectors.
- Boards and Commissions – Women have secured 25% representation, influencing policy direction across various sectors.
These statistics are not just numbers; they are a testament to Governor Otti’s deliberate efforts to bridge the gender gap and provide women with opportunities to lead and shape the future of Abia State.
Through the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, especially the most vulnerable. Her programs focus on economic empowerment, education, maternal health, and social inclusion, ensuring that every woman and girl, regardless of background, can reach her full potential.
- Economic Empowerment Initiatives – The First Lady has launched several skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programs tailored to equip women with sustainable skills in agriculture, technology, fashion, and small-scale industries. These programs have enabled many women to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
- Education and Capacity Building – Recognizing that education is the foundation of empowerment, Her Excellency has championed literacy and scholarship programs for young girls, ensuring they receive the education needed to compete in today’s world.
- Health and Maternal Care Support – Through various health outreach initiatives, Mrs. Otti has provided free medical services, maternal healthcare, and reproductive health education to women, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
One of the most pressing issues affecting women and girls globally is gender-based violence (GBV). Her Excellency has been at the forefront of the campaign against GBV in Abia State, launching robust advocacy programs and establishing support centers for survivors.
The Office of the First Lady has facilitated partnerships with NGOs, security agencies, and legal bodies to ensure that victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and harassment receive justice and the necessary rehabilitation.
Additionally, Mrs. Priscilla Otti’s commitment to inclusivity extends to people with disabilities (PWDs), as she has actively promoted policies that integrate them into the economic and social framework of the state. Through empowerment grants, training, and welfare programs, she is fostering a society where no one is left behind.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, we must recognize that achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is a collective responsibility. Governments, institutions, civil society, and individuals must work together to dismantle discriminatory structures and create a world where every woman and girl is free to pursue her dreams without limitations.
In Abia State, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti and the unwavering commitment of Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, we are making steady progress towards a more inclusive and gender-equal society. But we must not relent. Let this year’s International Women’s Day serve as a renewed call to action, one that inspires us to continue advocating for women’s rights, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that every girl in Abia has the opportunity to rise.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Prince Okey Kalu is the Commissioner for Information, Abia State Government.
