The Executive Director of EndyBekx Initiatives for Children and Women Development, EBICWD, Ambassador Endurance Enimoweri Nwachukwu, has commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro for involving more women in the Niger Delta peace process and for ensuring a large majority of women benefit from the scholarship scheme.

The former National President of the Gbaramatu Female Graduates Association in Gbaramatu Kingdom, in a statement released in celebration of the 2025 International Women's Day, IWD, also called for the advancement of the rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls in the Niger Delta Creek communities and the world at large.

Aligning with the IWD 2025 global theme, "Accelerate Action," Amb. Nwachukwu called for "collaborative efforts to address the unique challenges faced by women" in the creek communities of the Niger Delta region with focus on key areas such as economic empowerment, educational advancement, leadership and political participation, health and wellbeing, and combating Gender-Based Violence, GBV.

She said, "In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD) 2025, I, Ambassador Endurance Enimoweri Nwachukwu, the Executive Director of EndyBekx Initiatives for Children and Women Development (EBICWD), emphasizes the critical need to advance the rights, equality, and empowerment of women and girls in the Niger Delta Creek communities and the world at large.

"Aligning with this year's global theme, 'Accelerate Action,' I call for collaborative efforts to address the unique challenges faced by women in these regions in key advocacy areas," she added.

On Economic Empowerment, she called for "Skills Development through vocational training programs tailored to local industries, enabling women to secure sustainable livelihoods. Our region is unique hence the need to introduce skills with advanced modern technology is key" and to provide "Access to Finance by establishing microfinance initiatives to support female entrepreneurs in launching and expanding businesses."

On Educational Advancement, she called for "Scholarships and Mentorship... to encourage girls' participation in STEM fields. Thanks to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, who promised involvement of more women in the Niger Delta peace process and has seen to it by ensuring a large majority of women benefited from the scholarship scheme" and for "Community Awareness by the conduct campaigns highlighting the importance of girls' education to shift cultural perceptions."

On Leadership and Political Participation, the ED called for "Capacity Building through workshops to prepare women for leadership roles in community and political spheres. Community gate keepers should continue to build the capacity of women leaders through leadership involvement and sponsorship" and "Policy Advocacy by promoting policies that mandate women's representation in local governance structures. Women should also avail themselves to represent and be represented impactfully."

On Health and Well-being, she advocated for "Healthcare Access to improve access to maternal health services and reproductive health education. Aggressive sensation on Reproductive Health Care Service which should also be readily available within the women's reach" and "Mental Health Support through the establishment of counseling centers to address mental health issues stemming from gender-based violence."

In the area of Combating GBV, she called for the "Establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) in the region" and "Legal Support to provide legal assistance to survivors, advocate for the enforcement of protective laws. Legal luminaries within the region should lend their probono services in advocating for a more peaceful and friendly environment for women to curb the excess of their vulnerability" with "Safe Spaces to offer refuge and rehabilitation for victims of violence."

In her call to action, Amb. Nwachukwu "urges government bodies, non-governmental organizations, private sector partners, and community leaders to unite in implementing the above initiatives by fostering an environment where women and girls can exercise their rights and achieve their full potential, and that will contribute to the overall development and stability of the Niger Delta region."

Speaking further she appealed, "Empowering women and girls is not just a moral imperative, it is essential for the socio-economic advancement of our communities. In this International Women's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a just and equitable society for all."

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