By Sunday Ani
To mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), the GCPS VIP Lounge, in partnership with Inspiring Women Initiative (IWI) and Women Initiative Global (WIG), has taken the campaign for women’s empowerment to the rural areas.
According to the CEO of GCPS VIP Lounge, Amb. Johnny Metchie, the idea was to mobilise and enlighten women to stand up to the task of accelerating action for their greater involvement and empowerment in all spheres of life.
He lamented that the United Nation’s efforts at mobilising women to action during last year’s IWD celebration achieved little, particularly among the rural women, hence the programme.
The enlightenment campaign, which took place at the Umueri Recreation Club, Anambra State, was hosted by Mrs Linda John Metchie and designed to meet the objectives of this year’s IWD, themed, “Accelerate Action.”
In his speech, the sponsor of the event, Amb. Metchie commended the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, for her healthy living initiatives for Anambra women.
Metchie also commended the women for their massive turn up at the event, saying the women’s drive to participate showed their commitment to learning, empowerment and community growth. “Your presence made this event even more meaningful,” he added.
The women were enlightened on the signs to watch out for early detection of cervical cancer and high blood pressure and how to better manage them.
They were also enlightened on insurance, financial planning and other empowering information that would boost their knowledge for improved livelihood and survival.
The women were equally enlightened on insurance, investments, property and general planning of their lives, so as to be well equipped on how to successfully manage their homes as mothers and wives, and as well engage in genuine businesses to support their families.
Representatives of Leadway Assurance and Wema Bank were also on ground to encourage the women on financial management and the importance of insurance as suitable schemes for rural women.
According to Mrs. Metchie, the WIG and IWI’s partnership with GCUPS, and the efforts of Chief Ngozi Okoye, had improved the livelihood of women in the state, especially those in rural areas.
Participants expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying they were empowered with adequate information to transform their lives for the better.
The GCUPS CEO, however, commended Mrs Metchie whose selflessness, dedication and hard work, alongside a team of organisers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, made the programme possible.