COWAN commences activities to celebrate 41st Anniversary

**Targets Tech for Women Development

A non-governmental organization, Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), with the main goal of systemic and measurable empowerment of women has commenced activities to mark its 41st Anniversary, with a focus on how technological innovations could be of optimal benefits to rural women in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in an press statement by the Association after a successful virtual meeting with newsmen, partners and members to prepare for the anniversary.

The statement reads “From 15-18 October, 2023 in Abuja-Nigeria, the Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN) will celebrate its 41st Anniversary at Rockview Hotel; under the theme “Technological Innovation for Nigerian Women Development: Impacting all from the Grassroot”.
“In view of this was held a meeting between COWAN board Members, Members, sympathizers, the Media Professionals and the planning committee of that event, to launch the festivities that mark the celebration of this important milestone, on this Wednesday, July 12, 2023 during a virtual worldwide event.”

Historically, COWAN was created in 1982 in Akure Ondo State by a visionary leader- late Chief Mrs. Bisi Ogunleye (OFR).
She has decided to gather Women irrespective of rural or urban areas to join efforts to tackle the common hindrances that affect their livelihoods. Six cooperative societies, having a total membership of 225 women followed her. A magnificent journey through consistency, commitment and cooperation is now enrooted nationwide, especially in the rural Communities and the Association now has over 3.5 million members.

Speaking on the occasion, Princess Ade Ogunleye, National President of COWAN addressed the participants saying that “To fight against the rampant poverty nexus, efforts should be concentrated on activities where masses are the most involved. “This starts by gathering them so that they speak with one voice and have a common goal. This is the reason behind the creation of Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN)- unifying efforts to face gender sensitive issues affecting Women development in the country.
“With a new executive in the country, our objective is to play a crucial role in the design, implementation of public policies related to Women empowerment.

“The commemoration will form an outstanding opportunity for our organization to showcase our achievements over the past 40 years.
“We will assess our performance by addressing some of the challenges we have encountered and create new paths. Because, despite sounds achievements, the living conditions of women in Nigeria are still critical and need attention, efforts and determinations” She added.

“It will also be a moment of decent tribute to late Chief Mrs. Bisi Ogunleye (OFR), other founding and fallen members that have contributed to build a narrative around COWAN during the past four decades”, she added.

The 3-day event will welcome delegates from different backgrounds that include: high profile Government Officials and Business Leaders across a wide range of industries including: Female board Members of various organizations, CEOs, Executive Directors, company secretaries, Senior Managers and executives.

Others are Corporate leaders, Business owners, Board Directors, Non-executive Directors, Successful entrepreneurs, Bureaucrats, Developmental sector executives, HR professionals, NGO Professionals, Finance Executives, Media Executives, Legal Executives to name a few.