Chigozie Uzosike, Owerri
In marking the International Women’s Day, a Non-Governmental Organization, The Ike Odoeme Foundation has empowered women with various layers of financial support to enable them start up businesses for sustenance.
Speaking when the Foundation marked the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration held in Owerri Friday, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Sylvie Marie noted that the religion of the organization is humanity.
“We will continue to impact lives of the vulnerable members of the society, the widows, less privileged and provide health and educational support to women and girl children for better acquisition of skills”.
“Last year, the foundation championed several initiatives including provision of 50 million Naira economic empowerment themed Project Mount through zenith bank where we supported 200 women and 40 youth for business and farming ventures, we financed the treatment of for 20 women and other IVF sections among other life changing empowerments. This year, we are expanding our support”.
“To mark this year’s International Women’s Day event, we have empowered some women with handsome financial support to start their catering, tailoring and other businesses of their choice”.
Marie said the Foundation will be building a house for a widow in four months to save her from the hazard of living in a leaking roof. She assured of the organization’s committed to supporting the less privileged and women living with disabilities and widows.
“The theme for this year, “Accelerate Action” is a call to move beyond mere conversations and policies: It is a challenge for us to take deliberate steps towards women’s empowerment. For too long, we have spoken about equal opportunities, yet many women still face barriers in education, politics, and business. We have discussed women’s rights, yet too many women are victims of gender-based violence, pay gaps, and discrimination”.
“Governments must enforce laws that protect women’s rights.
Organizations must prioritize women’s inclusion in leadership roles.
Society must challenge stereotypes and cultural practices that limit women.
Women must support and uplift one another instead of tearing each other down”.
‘This seminar is designed to be more than just a gathering; it is a movement. We are here to learn, connect, and strategize on how to accelerate actions in our communities, businesses, and personal lives”.
“At the Ike Odoeme Foundation, we are not just talking, we are doing. We are here to support women economically, educationally, and socially so they can rise above limitations. To every woman, your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your actions can create change. Whether you are a market woman, a student, a professional, or a woman in uniform—you are powerful”.
“To our men, women’s empowerment is not a women’s issue; it is a societal issue. When women thrive, families, communities, and economies thrive.
Together, we will accelerate actions. Together, we will build a stronger future for women where stereotypes and glass ceilings barring women are pulled down”.
