THE Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has urged stronger support for women through digital storytelling and media visibility, as part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD).
The call was made at an event to mark the day and celebrate women, held on Wednesday, March 11, at the DOPF Secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State capital, which drew female participants government agencies, professional associations, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, themed, ‘Give to Gain: Empowering Women Through Digital Storytelling,’ former chairperson of the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Patricia Gbemudu, stressed that the transformative power of digital storytelling in advancing women’s voices, visibility and opportunities.
Gbemudu explained that the concept of #GiveToGain underscores the need for intentional support among women and institutions, saying storytelling through digital platforms could enhance women’s visibility, preserve experiences and build confidence for greater opportunities.
She urged women to take advantage of digital tools and platforms to showcase their talents, skills and entrepreneurial efforts, noting that online visibility could significantly expand opportunities for women in business, leadership and public engagement.
According to her: “Empowering women through digital storytelling requires intentional giving. Online media practitioners must deliberately create space for women’s voices to be heard, while organisations should invest in training, mentorship and digital literacy programmes that equip women to tell their own stories.”
Gbemudu chrged media professional to encourage women not to shy away from sharing their personal and professional journeys, as such stories could inspire others and contribute to social change.
While calling on leaders, organisations and development partners to invest more in platforms that amplify women’s voices, she added: “Do not hide your story; your journey may inspire someone you have never met. Use digital tools to learn, share and grow.”
In her goodwill message, Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Tracy Omamode Ikolomi, described storytelling as one of the most powerful tools for shaping public perception, preserving shared values and inspiring societal transformation.
Ikolomi commended DOPF for its role in digital storytelling, saying the Forum continued to play a strategic role in influencing public attitudes, promoting responsible citizenship and amplifying voices that contribute to national development.
She assured that the NOA remained committed to promoting values that encourage equity, responsible communication and social cohesion, adding: “The focus on empowering women through storytelling is both timely and commendable.
“When women’s experiences, achievements and challenges are shared, they inspire confidence, promote inclusiveness and encourage greater participation of women in leadership, community development and nation-building.”
Also speaking, the state President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Margaret Jeku Amuyiwa, represented by the Council’s secretary, Nzemeka Juniana, harped on the importance of investing in the education and development of the girl-child.
Amuyiwa lauded the resilience and contributions of women in Delta State and across Nigeria, noting that empowering women remains a critical step toward building stronger families, communities and societies.
She noted that every opportunity given to a woman represents an investment in national development, urging stakeholders to prioritise policies and initiatives that support women and protect the rights of the girl-child.
Amuyiwa encouraged women to support one another, rather than undermine themselves, stressing the need for unity, mentorship and collective advocacy among women.
In her remarks, Chairperson of Delta State Chapter of NAWOJ, Sonia Unobunjo, commended DOPF for organising the event, describing the theme, #GiveToGain, as both inspiring and relevant.
Unobunjo said meaningful progress in society occurs when individuals, institutions and communities deliberately invest in the advancement of others, particularly women and the girl-child, adding that the media remains a powerful instrument for shaping narratives, influencing policy conversations and amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard.
She urged journalists and digital publishers to continue telling impactful stories that expose barriers to gender equality, while inspiring actions toward a more inclusive society.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Secretary of the event’s organising committee, Josephine Omodior, said the theme reflects the Forum’s belief in the power of storytelling to amplify voices, challenge stereotypes and highlight both the achievements and struggles of women in society.
Omodior stated that when people give support sincerely, whether through mentorship, opportunities or platforms, the impact multiplies and strengthens communities.
DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, commended members of the organisation and the organising committee for successfully hosting the celebration, saying the growing presence of female journalists and publishers within the Forum made the event particularly significant.
Enebeli expressed appreciation to representatives of government agencies, women organisations and other stakeholders who attended the event, assuring that DOPF would continue to support initiatives that promote gender inclusion and social development through responsible digital journalism.
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