By Marie-Therese Nanlong

As International Women’s Day is celebrated, the wife of the Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Helen Mutfwang lauded the contributions of women to national development and promised improved investment in women and girls to accelerate progress in society.

This year’s theme is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Mrs. Mutfwang who interacted with women at the Government House on Friday in celebration of the Day commended their resilience in the face of challenges and assured that she would continue to work with her husband, Governor Caleb Mutfwang to empower women to be more involved in societal development.

She stated, “The theme aims to forge a more inclusive world for women and also underscores the need to invest more in women so they can have access to diverse opportunities to participate in development.

“I shall continue to work assiduously with Governor Caleb Mutfwang to support all governmental efforts aimed at strengthening our institutions, addressing poverty and enhancing the capacity of women and girls to accelerate the progress of our State.

“The State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has commenced the training of over 100 widows in the three vocational skills acquisition centres. They will be given modern equipment and tangible start-up capital…”

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur added, “The Ministry will be enrolling over 1,000 women in batches into the different aspects of farming. They will be supported with startup grants. There will also be special training on digital skills for young women in Artificial Intelligence, video editing, coding and cinematography.

“I am calling on our women and girls to take full advantage of these opportunities so we can change the narrative in the State. Let us come together to make this world a better place by giving every woman a chance to reach her full potential.”

Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere noted that he is, “a staunch advocate for the progress of the girl child, described the theme of the 2024 International Women’s Day, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” as crucial in ensuring a promising future for women and girls.”

He expressed his belief in the immense potential of women and his determination to liberate and empower them as exemplified by his appointment of a woman as Deputy Governor and several others to key positions in his administration.