IWD 2024: CRSG, MEDA, JO encourages more women to embrace business

The Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) in collaboration with JO Foundation organized a one-day symposium titled \’Escape Poverty – Start a business\’ in line with the 2024 International Women Day theme \”Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.\”

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr Inyang Asibong, asserted that the \”key areas for progress includes investing in women, building a nation, and accelerated progress.
Investing in women includes supporting access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions.\”

She continued, \”Building a nation amplifies the need to empower women to enable them contribute significantly to the economic and social development of their nations\”.

\”Bringing this home, increased inclusion of women in government can lead to more diverse and effective decision-making -as we\’re experiencing in Cross River State where women are taking center stage in governance, owing to support of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for women in the State\”, she concluded.

The event also featured Hon. Abigail Duke, Commissioner for Commerce; Victoria Ekpo, Business Development Specialist and Founder of Calabarmums; Phoebe Nsan, CEO, Calabar Leisure and Tours; Liza Ibok, Life Coach and Financial Enthusiast; and Enwongo-Abasi Okon, Managr, Capacity Building and Enterprise Development, MEDA. The event was hosted by Justina Ovat, Founder, JO Foundation.

March 8th marks International Women\’s Day (IWD) 2024, a global celebration recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year, the focus is twofold: the UN Theme which is – Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress; and the global campaign theme which is – Inspire Inclusion.