From Tony Olutomiwa, Yenagoa
Wife of Bayelsa State governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Rachael Dickson, has said that she would continue to champion the cause of women and the girl-child across the state even after leaving office later this year.
Mrs. Dickson made the pledge, on Thursday, at an event marking this year’s International Women’s Day in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The state’s First Lady told the crowd of women who gathered at the Peace Park, venue of the event, that since she came into office she had worked hard to uplift the Ijaw girl child and women to enable them get to their pride of place in society.
According to her, she had carried out the crusade for the empowerment of the girl child through her Koyenfa Foundation, a body dedicated to issues of the girl child across the state.
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She said that though this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day would be her last since she would be leaving office later this year but it won’t be her last in supporting the cause of women and the girl child.
She said: “I stand proud as Ijaw woman because I know the narrative has changed. Our story has changed for the better. Today as Ijaw women we can lend our voices across the world and be celebrated for our achievements. Today, to the glory of God, I have given Ijaw women that voice, that intellect and what they can bring to the table.
“Today’s event is dear to my heart because this is the last International Women’s Day I am celebrating with you as the governor’s wife. But it won’t be my last in my support for our girls and our women. By next year when I step aside, I will continue to be in the forefront fighting for the Ijaw girl, fighting for the rights of women all over the world”.
On this year’s theme, “Balance for Better”, she said every woman should carry herself with pride and dignity to know that whatever a man can do, she can also do even better.
She said the world has come to acknowledge the place of women and their rights and dignity in respect of their contributions to a successful world as she called for greater leadership roles for women.
While urging women to give their children quality education, the first lady asked organisations in the country and around the world to embrace this year’s theme by giving women 50 per cent of employment to ensure equality.