Zoe Udoka Nwabua: Empowering Nigerian Women With 'Engaging Now Women'

LAGOS – Miss Zoe Udoka Nwabua, who is 18 years old, is currently in her final year studying Theatre/Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. Originally from Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, she has begun establishing herself as both a writer and a feminist activist.

Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known as Engaging Now Women Global Organization. Through this entity, she makes significant positive contributions to societal development.

During an interaction with Zoe Nwabua, she elaborated for Sun­day Independent What her NGO stands for is clear from her statement: "The name itself indicates that Engaging Now Women International was established based on the belief that it’s crucial to harness all available human resources for the progress of humankind, irrespective of gender."

She pointed out that it is widely accepted everywhere that when God created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he fashioned them as male and female.

She emphasized that due to chance, God, in His infinite wisdom, determined that regarding men and women, the man should be considered the leader, with women serving as helpers, though this applies primarily within the household rather than in broader societal contexts.

Miss Nwabua emphasized that across human history, people have understood that both males and females contribute positively and admirably to the progress of society and the growth of nations worldwide. She stated, "To be precise, men fulfill their roles as fathers and husbands within households by providing essentials like food, housing, and clothes. Meanwhile, women embrace their positions as mothers and wives, bearing children, nurturing them, and also looking after their spouses."

Likewise, throughout human history, we have learned that both males and females have played crucial roles in shaping human fates and the development of various national societies. Consequently, there is no justification for discrimination based on gender.

Nevertheless, she asserted that with the emergence of more than 202 countries worldwide, women, akin to their male peers, have played significant roles in various social, economic, and political spheres, thereby making essential contributions.

She went on, "It appears that the world has turned into a more favorable environment to reside in. Particularly, women provide an indispensable foundation for nurturing, cultivating, and establishing successful family structures globally. Lacking women, countless children transitioning to adulthood would have been deprived of adequate care and guidance at best."

She remembered the well-known saying that "Behind every successful man stands a woman providing support," emphasizing how applicable this is within families and across all countries worldwide. Miss Nwabua pointed out that in numerous nations around the globe, women have left their mark as inventors, scientists, distinguished economists, renowned bureaucrats, influential politicians, and much more.

She mentioned, "Several remarkable women throughout history who carved their own paths and instilled pride among women worldwide encompass Cleopatra, who ruled the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt as pharaoh around 40 BC; Queen Amina from the Zaria Empire in present-day Nigeria; Mrs. Indira Gandhi, a twice-elected leader of India; Eleanor Roosevelt from the USA, known for her efforts which helped rescue approximately 700 slaves in America; Queen Nzinga of Matamba in Angola; Queen Nefertiti of ancient Egypt; Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, an activist during the Nigerian colonial period; and Golda Meir, former prime minister of Israel."

In the socio-economic domain, we find figures such as Florence Nightingale, the renowned British war nurse heroine, and Mary Slessor from Britain, who played a key role in campaigning against the practice of killing twins.

Mother Teresa from India, specifically from Kolkata, celebrated advocate for global peace; Coco Chanel from France (Paris), known for outstanding humanitarian efforts; Ada Lovelace, an English woman; Jane Austen, also English; Oprah Winfrey, hailing from the United States of America, recognized as a broadcaster; and Queen Makeda of Sheba from Ethiopia.

Throughout history from ancient eras to modern times, women have consistently upheld their responsibilities as caregivers at home, nurturers of children, and exemplars for others worldwide. Yet, today we also see emerging younger females around the globe pursuing diverse careers and vocations, thus contributing significantly to socio-economic and political spheres.

She emphasized that, apparently, the Engaging Now Women International organization has determined that, given the current state of the world, it’s essential to inspire women globally to reflect on their history and recognize the significant accomplishments achieved by previous generations of women. This reflection should motivate them to strive even harder than these earlier heroines did, contributing further towards building a better future for all.

With this objective in mind, the organization intends to launch an initiative known as 'The World Women Creativity Award,' timed to coincide with the upcoming International Women's Day celebrations on March 8, 2026.

She mentioned that women globally who have excelled in the following categories will receive international honors. These honor categories encompass Acting, Music, Women’s Rights Activism, Women In Political Roles, Healthcare Providers, Security and Technology Advocates, Entrepreneurship, Sports, Fashion, Royal Family Members, and numerous others.

As she stated, "Once more, we recognize the crucial role that women play in societal positions, both privately and publicly, as well as in holding offices globally. Being the host nation, Nigeria will seek the backing of First Ladies from various tiers for upcoming international women’s events."

These encompass the Nigerian First Lady and esteemed national figure, Pastor Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu; spouses of state governors; partners of Service Chiefs; wives of local government heads; prominent ladies from royalty; leading businesswomen; distinguished females within our societal fabric; and numerous others.

She mentioned that "Our membership encompasses individuals from every aspect of society, such as public service, the military, media, healthcare, finance and insurance, the business sector, students, researchers, social media professionals, political activists, and much more. Additionally, we are hopeful for women engaged in agriculture, trade, marketplace activities, and various other fields to become part of our group."

In addition to the scheduled public events like rallies, seminars, workshops, and conferences, our aim is to keep an eye on young female students. Our main emphasis will be on their education and empowerment through activities such as boxing, wrestling, acrobatics, choreography, singing, acting, film production, film direction, dance, and more.

According to her, these others encompass talent and ability. She emphasized that strategically, this includes motivational endeavors, agriculture, among other things. Additionally, she mentioned that they also incorporate imagination, which encompasses design capabilities and cognitive skills.

Reflecting on the past, she remarked, "It became clear to us that women have long served as influential figures across various countries around the globe. This raises questions about why they often find themselves taking secondary roles in elections and politics nowadays."

One evident shortcoming regarding women is their desire to seize power from men and place it in their own hands. This approach is incorrect. Instead, we should encourage an increasing number of women to engage in politics since they possess numerical superiority and will ultimately prevail.

Miss Nwabua mentioned that another disadvantage consistently present against women in politics is that they tend to be envious of their female counterparts who are also pursuing political positions.

As she puts it, "This stance is not just incorrect, but also lacking in patriotism. If men provide comprehensive backing to one another during elections, particularly in political matters, wouldn’t it be inconsistent for women not to emulate the men’s behavior?"

It should be acknowledged that contrary to the widespread belief that this is a man's world, it is actually a woman's world. Women are mothers who bear children, nurturing and guiding them through their formative years into adulthood. Furthermore, when it comes to child-rearing responsibilities, mothers take the lead role. Although men may fulfill the role of father within households, the essential tasks involved in maintaining and advancing family wellbeing largely fall upon women.

She revealed that her NGO, Engaging Now Women, has identified five key focus areas for activism. These encompass talent scouting, enhancing creativity skills, developing mental capabilities with an emphasis on capacity building, leveraging science and high technology, addressing physical fitness along with climate change concerns, and promoting political and economic empowerment.

As she stated, "We are eager to welcome retired nurses, civil servants, financial experts, former bankers, politicians, farmers, students, and many others to collaborate with us in an effort to enhance the prominence of women across countries worldwide."

In conclusion, she emphasized, "I wish to contest the phrase 'gender equality,' often used by many woman-focused organizations. Our aim as advocates is to strive for something greater: 'Beyond Gender Equality.' It remains clear in our minds that women possess the capability to transform the world and improve it."

We aim to harness the potential, skills, and contributions of women as part of our efforts to advance human society through feminism. The goals we have set out are transparent and compelling for others to support. By achieving this, we hope to alleviate some of the burdens faced by men globally, including financial pressures and maintenance responsibilities.

To continue following 'Engaging Now Women,' individuals can connect with us via our social media channels on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram under the handle @engagingnow-women with Zoe Benedict.

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