Women's Organizations Against Gender Based Violence Honor Exceptional Nigerian Women on International Women's Day.

The Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV), a coalition of governmental organizations in Bayelsa State, has honored remarkable and influential women who have empowered others within the community. This celebration, organized by AWAGBV over a two-day event titled "Cheers to Her: A Celebration of Women Empowering Women," brought together women from around the world to recognize their achievements while fostering discussions on the vital role of women in national development. The event emphasized the importance of women enhancing their skills and acquiring essential competencies to achieve financial independence and success. AWAGBV comprises eighteen strong women leading various organizations, including FOMWAN (Bayelsa State chapter), the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (South-South), the Association of Traditional Community Birthday Attendants (Bayelsa State Chapter), End Violence Against Women and Children, APWEN Bayelsa, Dise Ogbise Foundation (Do Foundation), King Okpoitari Diongoli Foundation, KIOSATE Boy Child Foundation, St. Yves Children’s Foundation, and Karinate Education and Empowerment Foundation. Additional organizations represented include Extreme with PSK, the Girl Child & Less Privileged Development Initiative, Thriving Hopes Development, the Friday Konyefa Foundation, the Deborah Ebisinde Filatei Women and Children Developmental Foundation, Excellent Peoples Ogbo, the National Committee on Gender and Sexuality, and the Girls Empowered for Change Foundation. In an interview with journalists, Dise Goddy Harry, the 1st Vice President of AWAGBV, stated that the event aims to celebrate women who have excelled and to support those who are still striving to reach their full potential. She also noted that the event recognized 'He-for-Shes,' acknowledging the men who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women. Award recipient Mrs. Leticia Amgbare encouraged women to continue supporting one another. Dame Esther Boro, the head of the Amnesty Office in Bayelsa State, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women's causes. Hon Ingo Iwowari Gold stressed the importance of increasing female representation in leadership across all sectors, urging women to pursue leadership roles. Dr. Foluke Dada-Lawson, an award recipient from Lagos State, remarked that the event was timely, noting that discussions surrounding women's rights have been ongoing for years, and now is the moment for women's empowerment. As the chair of the Lawyers in Academia Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dada-Lawson emphasized the necessity for women to engage in initiatives that promote empowerment and enhance their political participation. Representatives from Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre and Advancing Women in Business also encouraged Nigerian women to seize opportunities presented by events tailored for them, asserting that this year's theme aptly reflects the significance of women in national development. The highlight of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving individuals, a poetry recital by Theresa Tobuyei Esq., and the empowerment of 200 vulnerable women through cash gifts and starter packs, along with informative sessions on the Land Use Act and Renewable Energy. This training was organized by Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Center, Advancing Women in Business (ADWIB), and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Lands and Survey. During the event, Hon (Barr) Perepuighe Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Bayelsa State, praised the women's groups for their efforts in organizing the event, particularly in the realm of capacity building, and expressed gratitude for the award he received.