In what was a showcase of the progress made by African women in Europe, a powerful delegation of Nigerian women attended the event in Geneva for a weekend brain-storming session. Awe organiser Wambui Njau, put together a workshop and dinner to discuss issues concerning the African woman in diaspora or at home and seek ideas and opinions on how to address them.
Nigeria's delegation to the workshop was led by the Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum (NWIDLF) in the UK. NWIDLF president Jenny Chika Okafor, said they attended the event in order to advance the cause of the African woman all over the world and above all, tell the world that the African woman is ready for business.
Among the NWIDLF members who attended the event include Ronke Udofia, Agatha Ewruje, Yemisi Jenkins of Able UK, Priscilla Nwikpo and Ekanem Robertson, who are the presenters of the Woman Show on Ben TV, Yemisi Akande, also a presenter on Ben TV and former mayors Susan Fajana-Thomas and Kate Anolue. At the dinner, Councillor Fajana-Thomas was honoured for her commitment and contributions to women and community development in the UK.
Ms Okafor said: "The day concluded with a dinner and award of excellence to many women who have made their marks in all areas of life including leadership, education, entertainment and others. NWIDLF excelled and were greatly honoured.
"It was so endearing to note that many guest identified with Nigerian women and we shared views on how to work together as women of African extraction. African women need to hold hands and stand shoulder to shoulder in fighting many of the repugnant ills of society which have continued to bedraggle the African woman."
Many other Nigerians including Pastor Majorie and Coco Bassey were also honoured as the house erupted each time Nigeria was mentioned at the event. Ms Okafor used her speech at the event to call on the guests to form a new movement that will speak with one voice on issues concerning the African woman no matter where she is or comes from, to make the difference.
In addition, Ms Okafor decried the unforgivable use of rape as a repressive tool against the African woman and pointed out that this is a cause that must be fought and won. She pointed out that this is necessary because until every woman is free to walk the streets without fear of being raped by children or men born by women like them, no woman is safe.
According to Ms Okafor, women can only achieve this important objective if they jettison the age long myth of jealousy which people claim makes it impossible for women to work together. She added that women need to recognise each other’s strength and complement each other where we are strong or weak.
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