The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity and the WiCare Lekota Foundation have pledged to promote programmes that promote gender equality.

Capoon of NAS, Pyrates Confraternity, Ikeja Chapter, Panama Deck, Mr. Ima Ero, stated this during a live programme on Naijafm radio station in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme: “Accelerate Action” held recently in Lagos

Ero said the partnership with WiCare Lekota Foundation, a group dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of widows has been on for over five years.

He added that the promotion of gender equality creates a level playing ground for all as against the idea of segregation against women

Besides, he said women inclusion promotes equal opportunities and access, thereby creating a level playing field to everyone to prove their capacity

He explained that NAS being a voice of the voiceless frowns at actions that limits the potential of women, saying such act is antithetical to the ideals of the association.

Ero pointed out that the association would continue to advocate for the advancement and freedom of women, regardless of their circumstances

Also speaking the founder of the WiCare Lekota Foundation, Diane Qalu, commended the NAS Panama Deck, Ikeja, Lagos chapter for being at the forefront of promoting gender equality.

Qalu, while lauding the support provided to the group by Panama Deck over the years also called on other similar association to take a cue from the activities of the Pyrates confraternity in touching lives and being a change agent of choice.

The WiCare Lekota founder lamented the stigimatisation widows go through after the passing of the bread winner, saying such has left many women in a depressed state..

She said the focus of the foundation, especially for young widows was targeted at making them more independent.

Qalu added that the target areas for the foundation include; financial literacy progammes for women, business and mental health support.

According to her, the foundation is targeting to empower about five million widows in Nigeria while providing support for children of widows through education and mentoring programmes