Africa’s 4th WOW Conversation Spurs Women to Drive Change, Fight Trafficking

 


By O'star Eze

Over 200 women change-makers and allies converged in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, for the 4th edition of The WOW Conversation, hosted by Women of Worth Africa Inc., under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Women, Effective Visions, and Capacities for Global Change.” The event galvanized attendees to harness their potential to combat human trafficking, advance gender equality, and foster societal progress. With dynamic addresses, cultural displays, and awards, the conference underscored women’s leadership as pivotal to global transformation.


Founder’s Call for Gender Equality


Chief Carol Ugochukwu, represented by Chief Dr. Oge Okeke, expressed gratitude to TEAM WOW Africa for hosting the event. Marking over 50 years of advocacy for women, children, and the marginalized, she praised the organizers for upholding her legacy. Ugochukwu urged participants to champion SDG 5—gender equality and women’s empowerment—leveraging social media to amplify voices and build an equitable world. “I am a certified senior citizen, happily passing my torch to you all,” she said, inspiring collective action.


ED’s Address: Platform for Women’s Voices


Amaka Akudinobi, Executive Director of WOW Africa, emphasized the organization’s mission, founded in 1996, to empower African women to share their stories, strengthen families, and create solutions in solidarity. “The WOW Conversation enables women to address issues impacting their lives and articulate solutions,” she stated. Quoting Saint Mother Teresa, Akudinobi urged women to advocate for the voiceless, saying, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” She introduced the 2025 slogan, “Empowered Women: Thriving Society,” challenging attendees to become community builders.


President of WOW International: Women’s Global Mission


Nicoleen Peck, President of WOW International, emphasized that every woman has a mission in families and communities, reinforcing their role in global change. She highlighted the importance of women’s contributions to societal transformation, urging them to embrace their roles as change-makers.


Youth Advisor: Preparing Young Girls


Zara Ilona, WOW Africa’s Lead Youth Teen Advisor, in her talk, “Preparing Young Girls for Adulthood,” underscored women’s resilience and emotional intelligence as society’s bedrock. She urged young women to break barriers with intellect and redefine womanhood, inspiring the next generation to lead with confidence.


Keynote: Tackling Human Trafficking


Ngozi Anuli Iwouno mni, Anambra State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, delivered a compelling keynote, “Not for Sale: Resisting the Trafficking of Women through Law, Policy, and Collective Action.” She highlighted Nigeria’s role as a hub for human trafficking, with over 1.3 million victims, notably from Edo and Anambra (IOM). Citing UNODC’s 2022 report, she noted that 71% of global trafficking victims are women and girls, with 90% of sexual exploitation victims being female. Iwouno identified poverty (affecting 40% of Nigerians), illiteracy, gender bias, and lax enforcement as key drivers, worsened by corruption and online scams. She advocated for robust laws, survivor-friendly courts, and trained law enforcement, spotlighting Anambra’s Female Returnee Rehabilitation Programme, which has supported over 250 survivors since 2021. “This is a fight for every womantold she is too much or too small,” she declared, urging survivors to lead policy and advocacy.


Economic Empowerment


Edith Ikenye, Head of Product and Market Development, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Anambra, encouraged women to explore export opportunities in agriculture, clothing, and crafts, offering NEPC’s training and support to boost economic independence.


Overcoming Barriers


Dr. Ifeoma Odinye, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in her presentation, “Empowering Women for Global Impact,” noted that women often hinder their own progress through lack of focus. She listed obstacles like limited leadership roles, gender bias, and work-life balance challenges, urging consistency and self-reflection for empowerment.


Celebrations and Community Engagement


The event featured a vibrant cultural dance by the Isu-Awka/Mgbakwu Mbem Cultural group and goodwill messages from dignitaries, including Chris Molokwu (MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service), Sir Chuka Nnabuife (MD, Civic and Social Reformation Office), and Amb. Ifeanyi Njelita (former SSA to an Anambra governor). Three WOW members—Maureen Olisa, Ruth Olisa, and Amaechi Anyanwu—received industrial grinding machines, and all members got gifts, fostering community spirit.


Looking Ahead


Moderated by Ify Aronu-Okafor, WOW Africa’s Director of Media, the conference inspired attendees to challenge norms, reject silence, and act against trafficking and inequality. Participants resolved to sustain the momentum, eagerly awaiting the WOW Conversation 005 in 2026. The event reaffirmed WOW Africa’s commitment to empowering women as architects of justice and progress.







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