Founder of the Africa Economic Summit, Dr Brian Reuben, has indicated that the summit will position the Abia Women Forum in the global socioeconomic space.
Reuben stated this while speaking to newsmen after delivering a keynote speech at the forum’s inaugural meeting in Umuahia, the state capital.
He said the summit will expose and position them to reach their full potential by providing resources, fostering connections, and challenging barriers that limit their progress.
“So, this is something we’re bringing women all over the state to ensure that we support them with opportunities they need. And we’re looking at economic and business support and mentorship.”
“We want to see more women in leadership; we want to see their health prioritised; we want to see an abusive culture that restricts and limits them removed.”
To achieve this, Reuben, also the executive chairman of the 16th Council, also known as Brain Reuben Policy Group, noted that the opportunities are local and international.
“We will bring them into leadership training so they can get knowledge of not only available opportunities but also the skills and capacity they need to possess that opportunity.”
The international consultant and analyst, born in the Isuikwuato local government area, described his efforts and desire to partner with the forum as payback to his home state.
“We want to make sure that we bring home some of the things we’re able to do internationally to support our people,” noted the head of the think-tank group.
Speaking earlier, a prominent forum member, Lady Chinedu Brown, said the forum aims to chart a new way for Abia women to fight and protect their rights.
The retired permanent secretary urged the attendees, drawn from across the state’s 17 local government areas, to develop ideas to drive the forum.
One of the forum’s mobilisers, Mrs Nene Iroakazi, explained that the forum would mark a new chapter and turnaround for women in the state; hence, they should embrace it wholeheartedly.
She argued that the forum lacked political or religious leanings as it focused on fighting for the emancipation and liberation of women in the state from backwardness.
