FAWE, UN Women Lead Two-Day IWD Celebration In Delta
The Delta State Chapter of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE Nigeria), in collaboration with UN Women’s Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Coordination Mechanism, the Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (AACSGBV), and other stakeholders have commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a focus on Rights and Justice for Women.
The event was held at Uvwie Town Hall, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on March 16th and 17th under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls.”
The two-day event kicked off on Monday, 16th March, with a virtual training on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention strategies using the R-E-S-P-E-C-T framework. Developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with UN agencies, the framework focuses on primary prevention and risk reduction based on scientific evidence and global best practices.
Day two featured a vibrant rally aimed at raising awareness about the importance of girl-child education, inclusiveness in leadership, and ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
In her keynote speech, FAWE Delta State Coordinator, Amb. Odijie Keonyenasoa emphasised that the education of the girl child is critical to societal progress and urged communities to discourage all forms of marginalisation against women.
Coordinator, FAWE Nigeria Delta State Chapter
“Women empowerment is key to community development,” she said.
The event also included a training session on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills for economic empowerment.
Facilitator Rev. Dr Amos Obi highlighted practical ways women can leverage mobile technology to create sustainable businesses.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling and launch of a GBV prevention handbook titled Breaking the Cycle: A Practical Handbook for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Survivor-Centred Response, authored by Amb. Dr Eris Jewo-Ibi. Book reviewer and former South South Coordinator of FAWE, Deaconess Agnes Ofugara, commended the author for her bold initiative and explained why GBV victims are rightfully referred to as survivors.
Amb. Dr Eris Jewo-Ibi stressed the importance of education for both boys and girls, urging advocates to take the message to their communities.
In her closing remarks, Amb. Odijie Keonyenasoa expressed profound gratitude to sponsors, including Chief Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, and Silva Omars Ofugara, Director of Kortch Consult Limited, for their contributions to the success of the 2026 IWD celebration.
A highlight of the event was when the FAWE Delta State Coordinator, Amb. Odijie Keonyenasoa received an Award of Excellence from the Delta State UN Women GEWE Coordination Mechanism for her commitment to advancing gender justice, social inclusion, and community development in Delta State.
