Women’s Day Celebration at The Embassy of Nigeria, Athens
On 26th March 2022, the Embassy of Nigeria in Athens, Greece, in collaboration with the Nigerian Women’s Organisation in Greece, hosted an event to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day and Women History Month. Held at the Nigerian Embassy, with the theme ‘Break The Bias,’ in accordance with the hashtag and official UN theme for this year’s celebration, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” the event was in recognition and celebration of the contributions of women and girls towards a sustainable future.
The occasion commenced with a one-minute silence, a tribute to the first Nigerian woman to obtain a doctorate degree and the first female Nigerian Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grace Alele-Williams, who had passed on a day earlier, on 25th March 2022.
In her opening address, the Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe highlighted the need for global recognition of the role women play in society and the leadership, resourcefulness, and courage of women. She urged all to collectively call out and condemn instances of bias against women, emphasising the need for collective action in forging a gender-equal and inclusive world. Ambassador Akinkugbe reiterated Nigeria’s support of the #BreakTheBias campaign at the programme, stating that Nigeria continues to strive to embed the principles of equality, equity, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diversity. It was also acknowledged that the workplace of the Nigerian Embassy in Athens espouses a culture of gender inclusiveness, where women can thrive, as women occupy key positions at the Mission.
Guests were entertained with Nigerian music and delicious delicacies, including the celebrated Nigerian Jollof Rice. The vibrancy and energy were indeed a delight to witness at the event. The women were adorned in colourful and majestic Nigerian attire from various parts of a country of 200 million people and over 300 ethnic groups.
The occasion was an ode to feminine energy and a befitting celebration of the outstanding contributions of women and girls across all spheres of life.
#BreakTheBias
