#BreakTheBias Brainstorm & Brunch: A Hive Advocacy Mixer

Women are the primary caregivers of their families, globally. International studies demonstrate that when the economy and political organization of a society change, women take the lead in helping their families adjust to new realities and challenges.

Empowering women is beneficial to the development of their families and communities. Women reach their full potential when they live safe, fulfilled, and productive lives. They pursue careers, contribute to the workforce, and raise happier and healthier children.

In an “Advocacy Mixer event” organized by HIVE, its partners and stakeholders, Legislative Initiate for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) joined several influencers, champions, and advocates to connect, share ideas, and align on synergies to maximize advocacy for Gender Equity and Family Planning causes in Nigeria.

Barrister Vera Ndanusa, president of Partnership for Advancing Women in Economic Development (PAWED), was the anchor/MC for the event.

Speakers encouraged women to get involved and stand up for issues concerning women’s health, their wellbeing, families, and the nation.

A first panel discussion on “Men Standing Up for Women” was moderated by Hive’s WEE & FP Advocacy Lead, Fifehan Osikanlu, with panellists: Dr Chinonso Egemba (#AprokoDoctor), Dr Nkiru Balonwu of African Women on Board and Rhoda Robinson executive director of HACEY Health Initiative. The second had Social Media influencers like Ayomide Dokunmi, Founder, Femme Africa; Albee Abidoye, Co- Chair of Chocolate City Record Label and Founder NAHLA Initiate and Mrs Joy Ega of Society for Family Health, talking on Adolescent 360, a platform that provides Digital Solutions to adolescent girls and young women, with a Social Media page that acts as a safe space for girls and young women to share their stories.

Barrister Vera Ndanusa highlighted on the low representation of women in corporate organizations and politics. She advised members of advocacy organizations to collaborate and form coalitions at national and state levels, to raise traditional and non-traditional champions for advocacy and communication. Coalitions will work together and communicate to relevant authority on Gender Equity and its implications for Nigeria, with emphasis on promoting better investments toward Women-Focused Programs.

Jude ‘M.I’ Abaga, one of the keynote speakers advised everyone to get their PVC.

Closing remarks was given by Hives’s Country Manager, Zehra Talib.

By Deborah Olarewaju, LISDEL