Broadcast By Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa (OON) On The Occasion Of International Women’s Day Celebration
Today, we stand together, not just to celebrate International Women’s Day, but to reaffirm a truth that can never be ignored women are strong, capable, and deserving of every opportunity in life. We are not just caregivers, not just supporters, not just bystanders. We are leaders, decision-makers, and forces to be reckoned with.
I stand before you today not just as a woman, but as one who has fought and won. I have contested and won elections four times, defeating male opponents because I never saw myself as limited by gender. I never allowed anyone to confine me to a gender box. I entered those elections as a qualified, competent, and prepared candidate, just like every other contender in the race. I did not seek sympathy; I demanded respect. And I won—not because I was a woman, but because I was the best choice for the people. I saw myself as one of 109 strong individuals, chosen from millions of Nigerians, who won elections to the Senate. So, I stepped forward and contested to be one of the Senate’s presiding officers. Eventually, I ran for and won the election as Deputy Minority Leader, becoming the first female presiding officer.
This is the mind-set I want every woman to embrace. You do not need to apologize for your ambition. You do not need to shrink yourself to make others comfortable. When you walk into a room, walk in knowing you belong there. When you speak, do so with the confidence that your voice matters.
There comes a time in a woman’s life when she must understand her worth so deeply that she leaves no room for disrespect, harassment, or intimidation. A woman must carry herself with such confidence, dignity, and self-respect that nobody would even dare to undermine her. If you present yourself as weak, people will take advantage of it. But when you walk with purpose, when you speak with authority, and when you uphold your values, you send a clear message—I am not to be toyed with. That is the mind-set we must embrace.
Leadership at every level must take responsibility for ensuring that women are safe, protected, and encouraged to rise. Too many brilliant and capable women are discouraged from stepping into politics, governance, and leadership roles because of intimidation. But why should we fear when we belong in these spaces? Women are not asking for permission; we are taking our rightful place. A society that suppresses women is a society that suppresses progress. We must create an environment where women can thrive, where women’s voices are heard, and where leadership is based on competence—not gender.
To the young girls in our society, listen and listen well nobody has the power to define your worth unless you give them that power. There will always be people who try to pull you down, who try to blackmail or intimidate you. But at a certain stage in life, you must outgrow such tactics. You must rise above fear and stand firmly on your principles. Knowledge is power. Confidence is strength. Resilience is your shield. Do not allow anyone to dim your light. Dream big, work hard, and take your place with pride.
A child who fails to recognize and honour elders will struggle to succeed in life. No matter how educated, modern, or successful we become, wisdom is still passed down through generations. The next generation must understand that consultation, respect, and guidance from elders are what build true success.
Today is another opportunity for a renewed commitment: to carry ourselves with dignity and confidence so that nobody dares to undermine us; to refuse to tolerate assault, harassment, or intimidation because we deserve better; to support and uplift our young girls so that they never fall into the traps of fear and manipulation; to encourage women in leadership and governance because we belong in the rooms where decisions are made; and to uphold respect, wisdom, and tradition because success is built on a strong foundation.
The time for excuses is over. The time for waiting is over. The time to rise is NOW. We are strong. We are unstoppable. We are the future.
Thank you, and Happy International Women’s Day!
