IWD 2025: NUJ FCT Council Celebrates Women’s Resilience, Leadership Achievements
By Comfort Chukwukelue
Abuja, Nigeria – March 8, 2025
As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has joined the global movement in celebrating the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across various sectors.
This year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the progress made in gender equality while emphasizing the need for continuous efforts to eliminate barriers and create more opportunities for women.
The NUJ FCT Council highlighted the growing representation of women in leadership roles, particularly in journalism and governance, where women continue to break boundaries and demonstrate that leadership is driven by competence, vision, and determination rather than gender.
A significant milestone in this journey is the historic election of Grace Ike as the first female Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in 41 years. Her emergence is a testament to the evolving role of women in journalism and leadership, inspiring women within and beyond the media industry to pursue leadership without limitations.
A Call for Genuine Female Solidarity in Politics
In her remarks, Grace Ike emphasized that International Women’s Day should be more than a symbolic celebration; it should be a time for women to genuinely support one another, both publicly and privately.
She pointed out that women play a crucial role in politics, not only as voters but also as leaders, candidates, and agents of change. However, she cautioned against women abandoning fellow women in electoral contests for personal gain or political advantage.
“A woman who chooses to abandon her fellow women in an electoral contest, aligning herself with men instead, is not embodying the true essence of womanhood—just like what happened in the FCT NUJ election,” she said.
According to Ike, when women undermine each other, they hinder the collective progress necessary for societal transformation. She urged women in leadership and politics to retrace their steps, make amends, and genuinely stand together in solidarity.
A Call for Investment in Women’s Rights and Leadership
Grace Ike further called on leaders, the federal government, and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. She emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for women to step into leadership positions across all sectors.
“The barriers of the past no longer define us. This milestone is not just mine; it belongs to every woman who dares to challenge the norm,” she stated.
The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering women, urging stakeholders to provide platforms where women can contribute meaningfully to societal development.
“As more women take up leadership roles, their impact is evident in journalism, governance, and other fields, shaping policies, narratives, and progress,” the Council noted.
On this International Women’s Day 2025, the NUJ FCT Council stands in solidarity with women worldwide, celebrating their achievements and advocating for a future where leadership knows no gender.
