By Rita Mokobia and Austin Mowete
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has called for stronger institutional and media support to amplify women’s voices through digital storytelling as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The event, held on March 11, 2026, at the DOPF Secretariat in Asaba, brought together women from government agencies, professional bodies, civil society organisations and the media. The celebration was held under the theme: “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Through Digital Storytelling.”
Delivering the keynote address, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Patricia Gbemudu, underscored the transformative potential of digital storytelling in promoting women’s visibility, voices and opportunities.
Gbemudu explained that the concept of #GiveToGain highlights the need for deliberate support among women and institutions, stressing that storytelling through digital platforms can help preserve experiences, enhance confidence and expand opportunities for women across various sectors.
She urged women to take advantage of digital platforms to showcase their talents, skills and entrepreneurial efforts, noting that increased online visibility could open doors to greater opportunities in business, leadership and public engagement.
“Empowering women through digital storytelling requires intentional giving,” she said. “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.”
The media professional further encouraged women to openly share their personal and professional journeys, noting that such narratives could inspire others and contribute to social transformation.
“Do not hide your story; your journey may inspire someone you have never met. Use digital tools to learn, share and grow,” Gbemudu added, while calling on leaders, organisations and development partners to invest in platforms that amplify women’s voices.
In her goodwill message, the Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Comrade Mrs. Tracy Omamode Ikolomi, described storytelling as one of the most powerful tools for shaping public perception, preserving shared values and inspiring societal change.
Ikolomi commended the Delta Online Publishers Forum for its commitment to digital storytelling, noting that the organisation continues to play a strategic role in influencing public attitudes, promoting responsible citizenship and amplifying voices that contribute to national development.
“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,” she said.
Also speaking, the President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Margaret Jeku Amuyiwa, represented by the council’s Secretary, Mrs. Nzemeka Juniana, emphasised the importance of investing in the education and development of the girl-child.
Amuyiwa commended the resilience and contributions of women in Delta State and across Nigeria, stressing that empowering women remains critical to building stronger families, communities and societies.
She noted that every opportunity given to a woman represents an investment in national development and urged stakeholders to prioritise policies and initiatives that promote women’s advancement and protect the rights of the girl-child.
The NCWS leader also called on women to support one another rather than undermine themselves, stressing the need for unity, mentorship and collective advocacy among women.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, commended the Delta Online Publishers Forum for organising the event and described the #GiveToGain theme as both inspiring and timely.
According to her, meaningful progress in society occurs when individuals, institutions and communities deliberately invest in the advancement of others, particularly women and the girl-child.
Unobunjo noted that the media remains a powerful instrument for shaping narratives, influencing policy discourse and amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard.
She therefore urged journalists and digital publishers to continue producing impactful stories that highlight barriers to gender equality while inspiring actions toward a more inclusive society.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Secretary of the event’s organising committee, Mrs. Josephine Omodior, said the theme #GiveToGain 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.
According to her, when individuals give support sincerely—whether through mentorship, opportunities or platforms—the impact multiplies and strengthens communities.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, commended members of the forum and the organising committee for successfully hosting the celebration, noting that the increasing presence of female journalists and publishers within the forum made the event particularly significant.
Enebeli also appreciated representatives of government agencies, women organisations and other stakeholders who attended the programme, assuring that the forum would continue to support initiatives that promote gender inclusion and social development through responsible digital journalism.
The event featured entertainment, networking sessions and group photographs.
