The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Olufunmilola Disu, has called for deeper collaboration between communities and global institutions to promote women’s empowerment and inclusion.
Mrs Disu made the appeal while attending the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, during the Handshake Summit and Awards held at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City.
Delivering a keynote address titled “From Intention to Alliance: The Architecture of the Global Handshake,” she stressed that international cooperation on gender issues must lead to real improvements in communities, especially at the grassroots level.
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According to her, the programmes of POWA are anchored on compassion, service and community development.
“My vision is to deepen our impact by strengthening partnerships, promoting initiatives that improve women’s economic opportunities, and contributing meaningfully to both national and global discussions on gender equality and community resilience,” she said.
She added that agreements and commitments made at international gatherings should translate into practical support for families and communities.
Mrs Disu also emphasised the need to ensure that global innovations and policy initiatives align with the realities faced by women at the local level, particularly those dealing with poverty and insecurity.
Organisers described the summit as a practical response to calls by António Guterres and Sima Bahous for stronger action that converts advocacy for gender equality into measurable results.
Among the highlights was an Artificial Intelligence and Impact Showcase led by Crystal Renouf, alongside a high-level discussion on AI-driven climate leadership and women’s prosperity moderated by Chaste Inegbedion.
Speakers at the panel, including Kome Igbogidi, Richard Ojuri and Charlene Nichols, explored how prevention-focused artificial intelligence could help promote justice, safety and economic advancement for women.
The summit which honoured ten global leaders for their contributions to women’s development, including Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
