NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN SOCIETIES (NCWS), NIGERIAREPORT ON THE WOMEN’S TOWN HALL MEETING ORGANIZED
- Introduction
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria participated in the Women’s Town Hall Meeting organized by the Lilian Brown Foundation, a strategic initiative aimed at advancing women’s development, empowerment, and socio-economic growth. The event brought together key stakeholders, women leaders, and participants from diverse sectors to deliberate on critical issues affecting women while providing practical empowerment opportunities.
The programme was themed:
“Empowering Women’s Mental Capacity and Sustainable Livelihood.”
NCWS Nigeria’s participation underscores its continued commitment to promoting the welfare, rights, and advancement of women as a cornerstone of national development.
- Objectives of the Town Hall Meeting
The meeting was designed to achieve the following objectives:
• Enhance women’s mental capacity and leadership potential
• Promote sustainable livelihood opportunities
• Provide a platform for dialogue on gender-related challenges
• Foster collaboration among women-focused organizations
• Strengthen women’s economic and social empowerment
- Participation and Attendance
The event witnessed broad participation, including:
• Members of NCWS Nigeria
• Women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals
• Representatives of civil society organizations
• Youth and grassroots women groups
The presence of NCWS Nigeria added significant value, given its role as a leading umbrella body advocating policies and programmes that improve the status of women nationwide.
- Goodwill Message by the National President, National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Nigeria
A key highlight of the event was the goodwill message delivered by Princess Edna D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), National President, NCWS Nigeria.
In her address, she:
• Commended the Lilian Brown Foundation for organizing a timely and impactful programme
• Emphasized women’s empowerment as a catalyst for national development
• Encouraged women to strengthen mental resilience, acquire relevant skills, and engage actively in economic activities
• Reaffirmed NCWS Nigeria’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift women across the country
Her remarks inspired participants and reinforced the importance of unity and collaboration among women-focused organizations.
- Key Activities and Sessions
The meeting featured several impactful sessions, including:
a. Panel Discussions
Facilitated by experts, discussions focused on:
• Women’s mental development and leadership
• Economic empowerment strategies
• Sustainable livelihood practices
• Addressing societal and structural barriers
b. Interactive Sessions
Participants were provided opportunities to:
• Share experiences and challenges
• Ask questions and receive expert guidance
• Network and build strategic partnerships
c. Capacity Building
The programme equipped participants with tools to:
• Improve decision-making and leadership skills
• Enhance entrepreneurial capacity
• Develop sustainable income streams
- Women Empowerment Initiatives
A major outcome of the event was the direct empowerment of participants through:
• Skills acquisition support
• Financial and material assistance
• Business and vocational guidance
• Mentorship opportunities
These initiatives aligned with the overarching goal of promoting self-reliance and economic independence among women.
- Impact and Outcomes
The Town Hall Meeting achieved the following outcomes:
• Increased awareness of women’s rights and opportunities
• Strengthened collaboration among women’s organizations
• Enhanced leadership and entrepreneurial capacity of participants
- Renewed commitment to gender equality and national development
- Conclusion
The Women’s Town Hall Meeting organized by the Lilian Brown Foundation was highly successful. The active participation of NCWS Nigeria, coupled with the goodwill message delivered by its National President, added depth and credibility to the programme.
The event not only provided a valuable platform for dialogue but also delivered tangible empowerment outcomes, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of women and national development in Nigeria.
