The COWLSO National Women Conference 2024 is a two-day event organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) that aims to empower women and promote gender equality.
The conference, themed “Soar Beyond Boundaries…Enrich Communities,” features discussions on critical topics such as gender stereotypes, women’s health, political participation, climate change, and food security. The conference also explores communicable disease prevention, smart garden farming, emotional intelligence for the boy-child, and the role of women in advancing political participation in the society.
The event, a hybrid conference, allows for both physical and virtual participation and draws around 4,500 participants across Nigeria. The conference also features virtual and physical markets, and an award ceremony to honor a distinguished woman with the “Inspirational Woman of the Year” Award.
Representing Cross River State at the conference are Dr. Comfort Oko, Senior Special Adviser on Administration to the Wife of the Governor; Dr. Inyang Asibong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming; and Dr. Queen Eton, Special Adviser on Programs in the Office of the Wife of the Governor.
They are engaging stakeholders and participants from across the country in meaningful discussions on gender equity, while also showcasing the remarkable achievements and significant strides made by Her Excellency, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu, in promoting gender equality and empowerment in Cross River State. Through this engagement, they aim to highlight the impactful initiatives and policies implemented by Her Excellency, which have transformed the lives of women and girls in the state, and share best practices that can be replicated nationwide.
The two-day symposium held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos between September 10 – 11, 2024, brought together stakeholders from various fields. Notable attendees include: some state governors, deputy governors, wives of governors from several states. Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Lagos States, wives of governors from Borno, Imo, Bayelsa, Ogun, Plateau and Osun States, former First Ladies of Lagos and Akwa Ibom States, the Honorable Minister for Women Affairs, Dr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, and the wife of the Minister for Health. The conference focused on promoting gender equity and empowerment.
