IWD 2026: DOPF Advocates Digital Storytelling to Amplify Women’s Voices

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has called for stronger support for women through digital storytelling and media visibility as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The event, held on March 11, 2026 at the DOPF Secretariat in Asaba, drew participation from women representing government agencies, professional associations, civil society organisations and members of the media. The celebration was themed “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, highlighted the transformative power of digital storytelling in advancing women’s voices, visibility and opportunities.

Gbemudu explained that the concept of #GiveToGain underscores the need for intentional support among women and institutions, stressing that storytelling through digital platforms could enhance women’s visibility, preserve 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.”

The media professional also encouraged women not to shy away from sharing their personal and professional journeys, noting that such stories could inspire others and contribute to social change.

“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, 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 transformation.

Ikolomi commended the Delta Online Publishers Forum for its role in digital storytelling, noting that the organisation had continued to play a strategic role in influencing public attitudes, promoting responsible citizenship and amplifying voices that contribute to national development.

She further assured that the National Orientation Agency remained committed to promoting values that encourage equity, responsible communication and social cohesion.

“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 State President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Comrade Mrs. Margaret Jeku Amuyiwa, who was represented by the council’s secretary, Mrs. Nzemeka Juniana, emphasised the importance of investing in the education and development of the girl-child.

Amuyiwa praised the resilience and contributions of women in Delta State and across Nigeria, stressing that empowering women remains a critical step toward building stronger families, communities and societies.

She noted that every opportunity given to a woman represents an investment in national development, urging stakeholders to prioritise policies and initiatives that support women and protect the rights of the girl-child.

The NCWS president also encouraged 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, 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 relevant.

She noted that meaningful progress in society occurs when individuals, institutions and communities deliberately invest in the advancement of others, particularly women and the girl-child.

Unobunjo added that the media remains a powerful instrument for shaping narratives, influencing policy conversations and amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

She therefore urged journalists and digital publishers to continue telling impactful stories that expose 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 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.