By Oghenefejiro Emado
120 March 2026
Speakers at the international women’s Day celebration as organised by Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have called for stronger support for women through digital storytelling and media visibility as part of activities marking the 2026 celebration.
The celebration was themed “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Through Digital Storytelling
Which was held on March 11 in Asaba, drew participation from women representing government agencies, professional associations, civil society organisations and members of the media.
Delivering the keynote address, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Patricia Gbemudu emphasized the transformative power of digital storytelling in advancing women’s voices, visibility, and opportunities.
Empowering women through digital storytelling requires intentional giving,” she said, urging media practitioners to create spaces for women’s voices and organizations to invest in mentorship, training, and digital literacy programs
Gbemudu encouraged women to leverage digital platforms to showcase their talents, skills, and entrepreneurial activities, noting that online visibility can significantly expand opportunities in business, leadership, and public engagement.
She stressed that storytelling through digital platforms can enhance women’s visibility, preserve personal experiences, and build confidence for greater opportunities.
She urged women to take advantage of digital tools and platforms to showcase their talents, skills and entrepreneurial efforts, noting that online visibility could significantly expand opportunities for women 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.”
“Do not hide your story; your journey may inspire someone you have never met. Use digital tools to learn, share and grow,” Gbemudu said, while calling on leaders, organisations and development partners to invest more in platforms that amplify women’s voices.
In her goodwill message, Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Tracy Omamode Ikolomi, praised the Delta Online Publishers Forum for using digital storytelling to shape public perception, preserve values, and drive societal transformation.
She noted that the organization plays a strategic role in influencing attitudes, promoting responsible citizenship, and amplifying voices that contribute to national development.
“The focus on empowering women through storytelling is timely and commendable,” Ikolomi said.
“Sharing women’s experiences, achievements, and challenges inspires confidence, promotes inclusiveness, and encourages greater participation in leadership, community development, and nation-building.”
She assured NOA’s commitment to promoting equity, responsible communication, and social cohesion.
Also speaking, the State President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs. Margaret Amuyiwa, who was represented by the council’s secretary, Mrs. Nzemeka Juniana, highlighted the need to invest in girl-child education and development.
She commended women’s resilience and contributions in Delta State and Nigeria, noting that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and societies.
“Every opportunity given to a woman is an investment in national development,” Amuyiwa said, urging stakeholders to prioritize policies supporting women and protecting girl-child rights.
She encouraged women to unite, mentor, and advocate for each other, rather than undermine themselves
In her remarks, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, praised the Delta Online Publishers Forum for hosting the event and called the #GiveToGain theme “inspiring and relevant”.
She noted that progress happens when individuals and communities invest in others, especially women and girls.
Unobunjo added that the media shapes narratives and amplifies voices, urging journalists and digital publishers to tell stories that expose gender equality barriers and inspire inclusivity.
She encouraged impactful storytelling to drive a more inclusive society.
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 people give support sincerely—whether through mentorship, opportunities or platforms—the impact multiplies and strengthens communities.
Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, commended members of the forum and the organising committee for successfully hosting the celebration, noting that the growing 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.
