At the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the American University of Nigeria on March 13, 2025, the message of the event was that education and self-worth are the keys to empowering women to rise above patriarchal barriers. Under the theme “Empowered Women: Empowering the World and Building Futures,” speakers like Hon. Wunfe Anthony, Commissioner of Transport Adamawa State, and AUN’s Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Sesugh, inspired attendees with powerful insights on how women can harness their potential to drive societal change.
The event took place at the American Space on AUN’s campus and brought together important guests, professionals, and participants from Yola and neighboring areas. Hon. Wunfe Anthony, speaks on the transformative power of education for lives and societies. Quoting Malala Yusuf, she stated, “One Child, One Teacher, One Pen, One Book can rule the world.” Her statement highlighted that change begins with empowering individuals, particularly women, through education. She also stressed the importance of building confidence and understanding self-worth in a world where women are often relegated to second-class citizenship. “When we invest in women—through education, mentorship, and opportunities—we unlock their potential to create a better world for everyone,” She concluded.
Mr. Sesugh, Dean of Student Affairs at AUN, draws historical examples of women who defied societal norms to make significant contributions. He shared the story of Bertha Benz, the wife of automobile inventor Karl Benz, who bravely showcased her husband’s invention to the world. “Bertha Benz didn’t just support her husband; she believed in his vision and took bold steps to make it a reality. Her story reminds us that women have always been catalysts for change, even when their contributions were overlooked,” he said.
The event also featured an interactive session where participants discussed key issues women face, including gender biases, social and cultural barriers, and gender-based violence (GBV). Attendees shared personal experiences and strategies for overcoming these challenges, shedding light on the need for collective action and systemic change.
Students from local secondary schools added a creative touch to the event, presenting poems and spoken word pieces that celebrated notable female figures in history. Their performances highlighted the resilience, courage, and achievements of women who have paved the way for progress, inspiring the audience to continue the fight for gender equality.
Reported by Udoh Victoria Clement, Serving Corps Member, Marketing and Communication