Women and the drive for transformative stability
By Sele Media Africa| Ihuoma Amarachi
PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE —A growing movement known as Women Converge is emerging as a beacon of hope in Rivers State, Nigeria — redefining how women engage in governance, faith, civic action and community stability. [1]
What is Women Converge –
Women Converge 2025, organised by Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS), brings together women from diverse backgrounds — entrepreneurs, faith leaders, community members, students, civil‑society activists — to “take their place as catalysts of positive change in an evolving world.” [2] – The movement offers a mix of spiritual gatherings, civic‑engagement dialogues, mentorship sessions, socioeconomic empowerment initiatives, and community outreach — blending faith, leadership and social responsibility. [1]
How It’s Driving Stability & Transformation
According to supporters and observers, Women Converge is having tangible impact on Rivers State’s social landscape:- Moral and spiritual renewal: The summit sessions combine worship, prayer and faith‑based reflection with civic consciousness — fostering unity, resilience, and community trust during turbulent times. Economic & social empowerment: Through trade exhibitions, skill‑building workshops, entrepreneurship encouragement and networking, many women are being equipped to contribute economically and socially — helping reduce poverty, dependence, and social vulnerability. [3] –
Civic participation & governance inclusion:
By creating platforms for women to voice their concerns, engage in leadership discourse, and network across sectors, the movement challenges traditional barriers that limit female participation in governance and public life. [2] – Community cohesion: The unity and solidarity among women from different walks of life — urban, rural, diverse ethnic and social backgrounds — nurtures strong social bonds, bridging divides and strengthening social fabric. [1] As one participant told reporters during the 2025 Summit: “Where others saw chaos, we saw a call. Where others raised placards, we raised prayers.” [3]
Why It Matters for Nigeria –
In a country where women’s representation in politics and governance remains low — often under 5% in many elected bodies — initiatives like Women Converge offer an alternative path for inclusion, empowerment and influence. [4]- The movement blends spiritual values with civic action and socioeconomic empowerment — a model that resonates deeply in communities where faith and social identity are foundational. That fusion may yield sustainable peace and grassroots stability, beyond what purely political strategies often achieve. – It provides a blueprint for other states: showing that when women are organised, supported, and given platforms — they can drive transformative change, uphold social values, and amplify voices of the marginalized.
What to Watch Next –
Whether Women Converge expands beyond Rivers — into other states — and becomes a national movement for women‑led civic‑spiritual mobilisation. – The extent to which the movement can influence policy, governance representation, and formal political structures. – Long‑term outcomes: improved social cohesion, reduced gender‑based violence, enhanced community safety, economic upliftment of women and their communities.
Citations:
1. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/women-and-the-drive-for-transformative-stability/?utm_source=chatgpt.com2. Women Converge: www.womenconverge.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com3. The Pinnacle Times: thepinnacletimes.com.ng/women-converge-2025-drives-transformative-stability-across-rivers-nigeria/?utm_source=chatgpt.com4. International IDEA: www.idea.int/sites/default/files/2024-07/womens-political-participation-africa-barometer-2024.pdf?u
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