Katsina Ex-first Lady Inaugurates Pro Women Forum

A former First Lady of Katsina state, Hadiza Masari, has inaugurated the Concerned Sisters Forum (CSF) which seeks to promote unity, empowerment and collaboration among women across the country.

In her remarks at the inauguration and induction of members into CSF in Abuja, Masari, a member of Board of Trustee of the forum, said the group’s motto: ” Bonding for Progress” came at a time that it is needed the most.

She expressed delight over the aim of the CSF which is to bring women together, and show concern, not only to members but other women who are not members of the group.

“I have seen members coming from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna and other states. This means the Forum is a serious one. I believe that this is going to be a great Forum. There are communities in which our sisters are suffering from one form of challenge to the other.

“We can render help to such people. I believe this Forum is important to women in Nigeria and it has come to stay. I hereby declare this Forum inaugurated today in the name of Allah, the most merciful.

“I also want to commend this initiative,  because, it will go a long way to helping women overcome most of the challenges they are facing and also encourage inclusivity in governance,” Masari said.

On her part, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CSF, Binta Ibrahim said the forum was born from a simple but powerful vision, nurtured over the years that “when women come together, they can achieve anything they want.’

She said CSF stands for empowerment, capacity building, financial inclusion and support for one another as well as advocacy and collaborations.

Ibrahim described Masari as a dependable personality that has played significant roles in the life of women and activities of National Council of Women Society.

Ibrahim explained that the Forum was birthed after a strong show of women solidarity during her daughter’s wedding in Bida.

“CSF was born from a simple but powerful vision, nurtured over the years that when women come together,  they can achieve anything they want.

“This is a message we are sending to the next political arena, by the special grace of God, we would see a lot of women handling affairs in this country.

“CSF stands for empowerment, capacity building, financial inclusion and support for one another as well as advocacy and collaborations.

“We are guided by clear principles and simple guidelines, respect for one another, be accountable, and participate actively; these values shape our aims and objectives.

“These are supporting one another in celebration and challenges, promoting members businesses and services, encouraging self reliance and empowerment,  providing mentorship and leadership guidelines.

“Others are foster friendship and sisterhood, conflict resolution programmes and giving back to the society. We operate by collectively coming together to make decision and move ahead together,” Ibrahim said.

She also encourage members to attend meetings regularly, participate in volunteerism, give feedbacks, be willing to lead and learn, adding that, CSF will succeed when all members take actions together.

Also, a member of the board of trustees,  Salima Makama, represented by Lady Becky James said CSF expected women to stand together and not walk alone.

She said the Forum would be supporting, celebrating and encouraging one another, because, according to her, a lot of women are going through a ,lot in the society and some are dying in silence.

The Executive Secretary,  Deborah Ishaya urged members to invite other women to join the Forum for a greater future.