Inter-Religous Women In Politics Foundation (IWF) Breaks The Ceiling On Women Empowerment.

Inter-Religous Women In Politics Foundation (IWF) Breaks The Ceiling On Women Empowerment.

Women empowerment, gender equality and protection of basic human rights of women are common challenges in the developing world. Developing nations are faced with these problems which adversely affects the general development of a Nation.

International Women In Politics Foundation (IWF) is an organisation that brings women from all religious denominations and traditional worshipers across the South-south region together to enhance women participation in economic initiatives and also operate as a Religious Political Action group in the entire 123 local government areas and the 1.397 wards of the six states in the region.

The organization is also concerned with promoting an enabling environment for peaceful religious coexistence among others in the various communities and the world at large.

The IWF is a registered group, the organisation started with just 22 members in August 2020 prior to the Edo State September 19th Gubernatorial election and can now boast of well over 6 thousand members in the Six South-South States with hundreds of members empowered already.

Wow, this feat was achievable with the constant encouragement by Dr Philomina Abieyuwa Eriyo who kept promoting the women by involving them in various skill acquisitions programs with different NGOs/NDE to improve on their economic development as well as sourcing for governmental input by all means on their behalf.

The IWF Foundation has designed different challenges, solutions and projects with the vision that Nigerian women no matter where they live can have the opportunity to be trained, informed and equipped with the necessary skill acquisition to be independent and positioned to be the next generation of leaders.

Through the assistance of the Federal Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN the foundation has empowered hundreds of women. Special commendation goes to the Hon Minister for his dedication and commitment in contributing his own quota to Nation-building.

IWF has succeeded in assisting no fewer than 300 Edo women in soft Agricultural training and grant to support their businesses.

Today the All Progressive Congress as a national party has endorsed the IWF and the foundation is seen as a formidable group in the South-South region.

The Foundation mobilizes results-driven and entrepreneurial partnerships with governmental bodies, institutions, religious bodies, faith communities, political leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians to make a difference in the development of the women in our society.

The president of the foundation, Dr Philomina Abieyuwa Eriyo wishes to express her appreciation to the following persons who have made it possible for the foundation to break the ceiling in women empowerment in such a short period of existence.

The Patron and Matron of the foundation His Excellency, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his amiable wife, Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu who showed immeasurable support to the initiative. Her contributions have helped in no small measure in making the organisation a huge success today, our prayers are continually with her.

Big thanks to Hon Gani Audu the Deputy Governorship candidate in the last Edo gubernatorial elections and his amiable wife, Mrs Nana Audu.

Princess Naomi( President’s daughter and IWF DG Diaspora Matters- UK), APC women leaders- Hon Betty Okuebor, Hon Ative, Mrs Bello Osagie, Lady Golda Osikhiena, Dr Mrs Tawa Idubor, Deaconess Mrs Jubril, Hajia Marian Abubakar, Hon Omorede Osifo Marshal, Rev Patience Aiguobasimwan, Lady Abies Eguavien, Hajia Salimatu Momodu, Madam Esther Ero, Pastor Josephine and Princess Faith Omoregie, the national coordinator of Women 4 Buhari and Osibanjo, Amb Fatima Adams, Hon Samson Osagie, Chief Elemah, Hon Osaro Obazee, Hon Festus Ebea, Hon Chris Okeaben, Hon. Pastor Mrs Angela Okpamen and Deaconess Mrs Rosemary Elawure.

Special mention to the IWF South-South mobilizer, Bishop Mercy Felix Effiom of Cross River State and her Muslim counterpart – Hajia Munet Suleman of Bayelsa State.

According to Dr Eriyo, these people were instrumental in making the foundation achieve its goals beyond the Edo 2020 gubernatorial election.

Preparations are on top gear for the official inauguration of the different state chapters at its 1st year anniversary coming up in August.

The Inter-Religous Women In Politics Foundation (IWF) list the following as its priority issues.

Agriculture.

Women’s Empowerment
Poverty Alleviation
Developing Literacy Skills
Provide Linkages to Economic Opportunities
Capacity-building of women’s organizations
Regional women’s network
Economic & Political Empowerment.
Women with disabilities.
Leadership by young women.

Since women represent the engine room of society, the more we help them, the better our whole nation will be!

Dr Philomina Abieyuwa Eriyo . President/Founder IWF.