To commemorate International Women’s Month, TechHer, a non-governmental organization, worked with the French Embassy in Nigeria to offer a secure environment where women could interact and recuperate before taking on another battle.
Unlike official events commemorating International Women’s Day and Month, TechHER hosts its Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers.
Over twenty women attended the Brunch For Equality event, where they participated in activities such as Sip n Paint to express themselves creatively, Sharing Circle to vent about experiences unique to women in Nigerian society, Musical Chairs, and Raffle Draw with a little cash prize for the winner.
Executive director of TechHER Chioma Agwuegbo explained that the decision to have a laid-back brunch was made because it allows women who actively combat sexual and gender-based violence on a daily basis “to rest, so that they can fight tomorrow.”
She went on, “We thought that instead of having that kind of event, we wanted people to laugh, dance, meet people and make friends and network. A lot of times for International Women’s Month, people put up events where women talk about problems that already exist. since we think that communities and networks are where change is found.
We are appreciative of the French Embassy’s belief in this concept and declaration that, despite its unconventionality, we will support it.
“others who have been fighting for women’s rights for the past thirty years, others who have been doing so for the last twenty to fifteen years, and those who are still unsure whether they are feminists or not but just wanted to have fun were among those in attendance. We need to take breaks in order to recharge our batteries and go back out to fight.
Emitomolua Tobiloba Yemisire, a consultant on sexual reproductive health and rights, characterized the brunch as unique and inventive during the occasion.