In a passionate appeal, Dr. Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi Mni, President of Mobilisers International Ministry, Executive Director of Fan Foundation, Coordinator of Enugu Women's Prayer Network, and the immediate Past Chairman of the Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), has called for concerted global efforts to protect women from all forms of harm. Dr. Ugwuanyi urged women, particularly in Nigeria, to rise and speak against domestic violence and external threats that put their lives and futures at risk.
Speaking on Thursday at a four-day women empowerment program organized by Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) International, held at Rockview Hotels, Owerri, Imo State, Dr. Ugwuanyi outlined the harsh realities faced by women today, especially in the southeastern region of Nigeria. She identified the challenges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and societal insecurity as deeply damaging to women's mental health, economic stability, and general well-being.
"Women in Southeast Nigeria are constantly under threat, not just from domestic violence but from external dangers like kidnappings and armed robbery," Dr. Ugwuanyi explained. "These challenges often force women to withdraw from society, limiting their potential contributions to economic growth."
Dr. Ugwuanyi's address to the participants shed light on the multifaceted nature of insecurity and how it disproportionately affects women. She explained that the constant fear of being a victim of crime, coupled with the cultural and societal norms that suppress women's voices, severely limits their ability to thrive. Women, she noted, are increasingly pressured to either reduce their economic activities or relocate in pursuit of safety, further perpetuating the cycle of dependence and disempowerment.
Dr. Ugwuanyi highlighted that the lack of legal frameworks to protect women, particularly in the Southeast, remains a critical issue. She called on lawmakers, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies to prioritize the security of women by fostering collaboration and enacting meaningful legal reforms.
In her address, Dr. Ugwuanyi emphasized the need for advocacy, education, and the creation of safe platforms for women to voice their concerns. "We must break these barriers by providing women with platforms to voice their concerns, ensuring legal reforms that offer protection, and strengthening community support systems," she stated.
She stressed that the battle for women's safety and empowerment is a collective responsibility, not just a women's issue. "Empowering women to speak out and defend themselves is not just a personal battle; it’s a collective responsibility. If we do not act now, these external forces will continue to dominate our communities," Dr. Ugwuanyi urged.
Dr. Ugwuanyi also addressed a significant societal issue—marital insecurity—highlighting its impact on both women and the broader society. She spoke candidly about how infidelity and suspicion in marriages have caused many women to feel threatened, leading to emotional turmoil and sometimes the breakdown of homes.
"Many women are leaving their homes over issues of infidelity, often based on suspicion without clear evidence," she remarked. "As builders of the home, when we abandon our responsibilities, the home scatters, and the effects ripple through society. Children without proper moral guidance may fall into vices like prostitution, armed robbery, and kidnapping."
In a poignant moment, Dr. Ugwuanyi asked, "Who are the mothers of kidnappers, prostitutes, home breakers, and armed robbers?" She argued that societal decay can, in part, be traced back to women’s failure to fulfill their roles at home. She called for women to address these issues head-on, urging them to reclaim their positions as nurturers and moral guides for the next generation.
Dr. Ugwuanyi’s message was clear: safeguarding women’s security is not just a responsibility of women but of society at large. She advocated for limiting the distractions of social media and refocusing on the home, urging women to face their marital challenges with courage and grace.
"It is time for us to rethink and stop feeling insecure in our marriages," she said. "We must limit our involvement in social media and learn how to give maximum attention to our homes."
Her call for action extends beyond individual families, as she urged the broader community and government to step up and enact changes that prioritize women's safety, empowerment, and societal roles. In her words, protecting women’s well-being is essential for building a stronger, more resilient society.
