08/03/2025
Goodwill Message from Prof. Ijeoma Nduka, Chief Medical Director, Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba on the occasion of the year 2025 International Women's Day celebration by ABSUMSA
1. Protocols
2. It's always gratifying when young people rally themselves around projects that have long-lasting impacts on their lives and the lives of people around them. The International Women's Day is obviously one such project whose transitive significance can hardly be overlooked.
International Women's Day is a global day that celebrates the achievements of women and calls for action to accelerate gender equality. It is a day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women worldwide.
The theme for this year's International Women's Day (IWD) celebration is "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment", while the campaign theme is: "Accelerate Action" - a theme that calls for urgent action to achieve gender parity and eliminate systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.
The theme also emphasizes the need to address systemic barriers and biases that women face in both personal and professional spheres.
"Accelerate Action for Gender Equality" is a call to action that encourages society to work together to achieve gender equality. It emphasizes the urgency of the need for change and the importance of inclusion.
For you, my dear younger colleagues, this call for societal action couldn't have come at a better time. It is even moreso, given the new generational shift that nowadays, de-emphasizes gender for inclusivity in practically every sphere of human endeavor.
In our dear State, Abia, we must all applaud the inimitable strides of His Excellency Governor Alex Chioma Otti, in this regard.
The Governor has, since assuming office, shown an exceedingly high regard for gender sensitivity and inclusiveness in his administration. This probably explains why we have today, several women in very top executive positions, not only in His Excellency's cabinet, but also in other leadership criteria in Abia State. As you can see, I am also one of the beneficiaries of His Excellency's largesse, as the first female Chief Medical Director of Abia State's apex tertiary health institution - Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba. Let's give a toast to our dynamic, health-friendly Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti!
3. Conclusion;
Violence, pay gaps, discrimination, and inequality in health, politics, and other areas constitute some of the leading gender issues in our society today. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by these gender issues. Addressing gender inequality is therefore critical across sectors responsible for delivering justice, social, health, and security services, especially in developing climes like ours.
As the very active segment of our society, your roles in championing this cause, this advocacy for gender inclusiveness, is most encouraged. You, the youth, have charge of today's technology. The mass and social media among others are not only at your beck and call, they are constantly at your fingertips - waiting to be effectively and efficiently deployed in the campaign. Everyone is encouraged to get involved.
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. So, indeed, the world beckons on you to step in and lead the campaign, especially on a day like this.
Thank you.
