The Wife of Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has advocated an increase in women's empowerment in a bid to promote gender equality in politics and decision-making in the state.
Speaking at the 7th Global Women Leaders Forum conference held in Reykjavik, Iceland, from November 10 - 12, 2024, the governor's wife emphasied the crucial need for increased female representation in decision-making, as well as promoting gender equality.
Bishop Otu, who made the call in line with the theme "Power, Together For Action," was represented by the State’s Gender Advisor, Dr Inyang Asibong, stressing that the annual summit will foster global dialogue on women's leadership, challenges and gender equality.
According to Mrs Otu, the advocacy aligns with her Project; 'Humanity Without Borders', in Cross River State, aimed at empowering women, supporting girls, widows, children and other vulnerable citizens.
She explained that the Cross River State government has commenced the implementation of the 2023 Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition ( VAPP) law aimed at promoting and protecting the right and well-being of vulnerable populations in the State.
“For us in Cross River State, in the Niger Delta part of Nigeria, the mission is to use this unique platform for women leaders to collaborate and join forces in making a positive impact on society, including championing women in leadership, supporting girls education, widows empowerment, elderly and market women empowerment as well as Micro Enterprises start up for Women with Disabilities. This is the focus of my NGO, Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB).”
"Cross River under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu has championed women's rights and inclusion and also created a sustained ecosystem for gender equality", she stated.
Notable among the high profile women in attendance includes the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, the wife of the President of Iceland, Eliza Jean Reid, the wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, Sophie Gregiore Trudeau. others are representatives from the
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, cabinet ministers, female parliamentarians and
other key stakeholders who are committed to advancing women's leadership and empowerment.
The Reykjavik Global Women Leaders Forum is an annual event that brings together women leaders from various fields worldwide to discuss politics, governance, business, culture, science, and technology, among others.
The 3-day conference serves as a pivotal platform for women leaders to converge, share insights, and strategize towards a more equitable future. The forum is co-hosted by the Government of Iceland, in partnership with Women Political Leaders (WPL).