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By Madu Obi
A gynaecologist and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu has said that with breakthroughs in science, the era of bareenness among women is gone.
Speaking at the take off of a two-day programme organized by a nongovernmental organization, the All for Women Initiative Nigeria (A-WIN),
the medical expert stated that even at 60 years and above, a woman could still have a child through scientific methods.
He commended the free antenatal services of the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, adding that with the free health care service at government-owned hospitals, pregnant women have no reason to fear about the cost of delivery of their babies.
According to the Professor of gynaecology, the Soludo administration's initiative is the type of empowerment women should be given in the 21st century society.
He said that what women in modern society would need were education, economic empowerment and general knowledge.
In her speech, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih called for equality, fairness and justice for women.
She regretted the second fiddle treatment of women by society, especially by politicians, stressing that it was high time women got up to be counted, despite the odds.
She said: "Women have to stand up and take their stand. We can't sit back and wait for invitation to contribute our quota.
"We are tired of politicians' stomach infrastructure. They give us sewing and grinding machines, yet no light and no fuel to operate them."
"The empowerment we want is education, economic emancipation and enabling environment to reach our zenith."
"We're also asking for equity, fairness, justice and equal opportunity. If there's appointment, it should be 50-50 men and women. Women must have to catch up".
Anenih frowned at what she called absentee fathers, urging husbands to rise up to their responsibilities as heads of families for balanced children upbringing.
"Women cannot raise a balanced home alone financially, psychologically, emotionally and otherwise," she said.
The convener of A - WIN, Comrade Stella Igboka,: said the organization was founded based on the burning desires to make indelible marks and positive difference in the lives of women, the girl child and the vulnerable in the society in simple, but result-oriented ways.
"A-WIN thrives on a collaborative philosophy for all to come together for the upliftment and development of women. It is designed as a win -win approach for both gender, for all professions, for children, youths and adults to support women to succeed.
"It is a platform and rallying point for all hands to be on deck for the advancement and empowerment of women through advocacy and hands-on-projects.
"It is our belief that women must gear up for greater opportunities, so as to be more prepared, better equipped and very ready to be counted," Igboka said.
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