Founder of The Not Dejected Initiative shared some words of encouragement at The Women with Stories Festival 2025, a transformative storytelling event held in Abuja, Nigeria. Thoughtfully convened by Dr. Naomi Osemudia, the event brought together women from diverse backgrounds to share lived experiences that statistics alone often fail to represent. The gathering challenged conventional narratives by placing real women at the heart of conversations often reduced to numbers. From courageous women living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to policy makers, advocates, and development partners, each story revealed the human realities behind issues such as displacement, inequality, resilience, and survival. The presence and support of UN Women, alongside other sponsors and partners, underscored the global importance of amplifying women’s voices at every level.

The event was further strengthened by the attendance of the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, whose presence reaffirmed governmental commitment to women-centered advocacy and inclusive development. Together with representatives from international organizations, civil society, and grassroots communities, the space became one of truth-telling, healing, and collective reflection.
Women With Stories 2025 was more than an event; it was a reminder that every woman’s voice matters, every experience deserves recognition, and meaningful change begins when we listen.