KEBETKACHE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCE CENTRE PRESS STATEMENT: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION, MARCH 8, 2024 RIVERS STATE, PORT HARCOURT

Distinguished Gentlemen of the Press,
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre joins the global community
in celebrating International Women’s Day, a day devoted to recognise the
achievements and contributions of women worldwide, while also raising
awareness about the ongoing challenges they face.
We are gathered here today March 8th 2024, to commemorate the monumental
achievements of women socially, economically, culturally and politically. This
year’s theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” is quite striking as it is
a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The advocacy campaign is
centered on equal rights, as well as opportunities to participate in decisionmaking processes, mobilise political will, and gain access to resources. Also, in
promoting gender equality and social inclusion, we have to forge an inclusive
and equitable society.
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre is using this medium to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening social justice for women; while fostering
an environment that provides equal opportunities for all. As an organisation with
decades of notable achievement in building the capacity of women and protecting
their fundamental human rights, Kebetkache is committed to building an ecofeminist movement in the Niger Delta, leading advocacy action for a gender-just
society.
As we celebrate this day, Kebetkache reiterates its commitment to gender
equality and the empowerment of women in all spheres of life. We recognise
women’s invaluable role in our society, from nurturing families to leading
businesses, shaping policies, and contributing to cultural and social
advancements.
At Kebetkache, we are proud to highlight the achievements of the remarkable
women within our organisation and beyond. Their dedication, resilience, and
innovative spirit continue to inspire positive change and progress. Through
mentorship programmes, and diversity initiatives, ongoing support, we strive to
create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and reach their full
potential.
This International Women’s Day, Kebetkache encourages everyone to engage in
meaningful conversations, share stories of inclusion, and take actions that
contribute to a more equal and just society. We can focus on the key areas of
this year’s celebration which include: ending poverty, implementing genderresponsive financing, shifting to a green economic and care society, and
supporting feminist change-makers. Let us speak up when women are
discriminated against, we must call out poor practices; when the treatment of
women is not equitable, we must take action.
In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of women, International Women’s
Day serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true
gender equality. Kebetkache calls on individuals, businesses, and governments
to actively participate in the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable
world. Let us collectively break down the barriers that limit opportunities for
women and work towards a future where every woman can achieve her dreams.
Therefore, Kebetkache is using this medium and the occasion of 2024
international women’s day to demand that the Federal Government of Nigeria
hold off on approving the firms’ intended sale until after they have cleaned up
and repaired the contaminated farmlands in the Niger Delta.
Kebetkache, is also calling on Sir Siminalayi Fubara the Executive Governor of
Rivers State to adopt and implement the Rivers State Gender Policy, and ensure
that women are allowed to participate in governance.
Everyone, everywhere can INSPIRE INCLUSION!
#InspireInclusion