INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY : Odimma Umuada Igbo Prestigious Women Foundation Seeks Gender Inclusion, Sustainable Empowerment. Watch Videos Below.

By Mariam Adedamola Oyewole

Foremost Igbo Women Foundation, “Odimma Umuada Igbo Prestigious Women Foundation  (OUIPWF)”,says protection of Girl – Child and empowering women across technical and leadership roles is essential for innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

OUIPWF Founder, Chief Mrs. Violet Uche  Obiora , Popularly known as “Onaedo” , Stated this while speaking on International Women’s Day (IWD).

Onaedo noted that gender inclusion is central to its Foundation’s long-term strategy and empowerment culture.

According to her, this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” reflects the belief that organisations and societies benefit when women are given equal access to opportunities, leadership roles and resources.

Mrs. Obiora , who is also the Founder of Unique Diamond Women Foundation, regretted that Women  remain underrepresented in government, most Professions like engineering and technology sectors globally, including in Nigeria.

According to her, closing the gender gap could help boost innovation, improve productivity, and support sustainable development across infrastructure and energy industries.

“For companies operating in technical sectors such as power generation and engineering, inclusion can also help address the shortage of skilled professionals”, She said.

Speaking further ,OUIPWF Founder  said that  her Foundation sees gender inclusion as both a social responsibility and a strategic family decision.

“The theme ‘Give to Gain’ perfectly captures what sustainable progress looks like. When we give women access, trust, and the right platforms to excel, we gain stronger businesses and a more prosperous society,” she said.

Emphasizing the Foundation’s vision, She said that “At OUIPWF, Women empowerenent and  inclusion is not just a policy; it is embedded in how we grow.”

She added that the Foundation is working to expand opportunities for women within its frame work .

“Through capacity-building initiatives, skills development, Empowerenent and equal opportunity practices, OUIPWF continues to create pathways for women to participate meaningfully in the country’s industrial and infrastructure growth.”

For Onaedo, “companies operating in technical sectors such as power generation and engineering, inclusion can also help address the shortage of manpower”

Experts say increasing the number of women in Technical roles could help Nigeria meet growing demand for technical expertise in infrastructure and energy projects.

According to gender equality advocates, mentorship programmes and targeted training initiatives are among the most effective ways to encourage women to enter and remain in technical careers.

Mrs. Obiora ,added that the Foundation is working to expand opportunities for women within its framework .

“Through capacity-building initiatives, skills development, and equal opportunity practices, OUIPWF continues to create pathways for women to participate meaningfully in the country’s industrial and infrastructure growth.”

Experts says empowering more women and  increasing the number of women in leadership could help Nigeria meet growing demand for technical expertise in infrastructure and governance .

According to gender equality advocates, mentorship programmes and targeted training initiatives are among the most effective ways to encourage women to enter and remain in technical careers.

Onaedo urged companies to prioritise diversity in employment , which she said often brings improved problem-solving and innovation outcomes.

She argued that when women succeed in their roles, the benefits extend beyond companies,but  to families, communities and national economic development.

Onaedo also said that OUIPWF  plans to continue supporting capacity-building programmes and equal opportunity initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in National Development and leadership roles.

She therefore enjoined sustained efforts from NGOs, private companies and government institutions ,so as  to close the gender gap in Nigeria.