African Women, Arise! Dr. Shoda's New Year Message of Hope and Empowerment
By Charles Segun Adegbite
As the world welcomes a new year, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda, President of the Africa Regional Council of Women, has issued a powerful call to action to Nigerian and African women, urging them to rise up and claim their rightful place as leaders, change-makers, and drivers of progress.
In her New Year message, Dr. Shoda who is a Board Member of the International Council of Women, ICW, expressed her optimism and hope for a brighter future for African women, emphasizing the need for collective action, empowerment, and solidarity.
"As we begin this new year, I want to remind African women that we are the backbone of our families, communities, and nations," she said.
As we begin this new year, I want to remind African women that we are the backbone of our families, communities, and nations,
"We are the ones who hold the power to shape our destinies, to break down barriers, and to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come."
Dr. Shoda acknowledged the numerous challenges that African women face, from poverty and inequality to violence and discrimination.
However, she emphasized that these challenges also present opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformation.
"We must recognize that our struggles are not unique to us, but are shared by women all over the world," she explained.
According to her, "We must draw strength from our collective experiences, and use our voices, our skills, and our talents to demand change and to create a more just and equitable society."
She also highlighted the importance of education, economic empowerment, and political participation in unlocking the potential of African women.
"We must prioritize education and skills development, so that our girls and women can compete in the global economy and take their rightful place as leaders in their fields," she said.
"We must also support entrepreneurship and innovation, so that our women can create jobs, generate wealth, and drive economic growth."
We must prioritize education and skills development, so that our girls and women can compete in the global economy and take their rightful place as leaders in their fields
Dr. Shoda also emphasized the need for African women to take an active role in politics and governance, to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are represented.
"We must encourage more women to run for office, to participate in decision-making, and to hold our leaders accountable for their actions," she said.
"We must also support policies and programs that promote gender equality, women's rights, and social justice." She added
As African women look to the future, Dr. Shoda urged them to be bold, to be fearless, and to be unapologetic about their aspirations and ambitions.
Going by her words,"We must believe in ourselves, we must believe in each other, and we must believe in our ability to create a better world,"
"We must rise up, we must speak out, and we must demand the respect, the dignity, and the opportunities that we deserve."
“Happy New Year to all Nigerian and African women! May this year bring you joy, success, and fulfillment of your dreams.” She concluded.
Dr Gloria Laraba Shoda, MFR, mni, is also the Founder of African League of Women Voters, ALWOV, and former President of the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS.
