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ASABA, Delta State – In a powerful call to action that transcended mere celebration, the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has challenged media practitioners and institutions to move from passive support to intentional investment in women, harnessing the boundless potential of digital storytelling to reshape narratives and unlock opportunities.

Marking International Women’s Day 2026 at a poignant event held on March 11 at the DOPF Secretariat in Asaba, the forum brought together a coalition of women from government agencies, civil society, and the media to explore the transformative theme: “Give to Gain: Empowering Women Through Digital Storytelling.”

Delivering the keynote address, veteran journalist and former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Patricia Gbemudu, painted a vivid picture of the digital landscape as the new frontier for gender equality. She introduced the concept of #GiveToGain not as a transaction, but as a philosophy of deliberate support.

“Empowering women through digital storytelling requires intentional giving,” Mrs. Gbemudu asserted. “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.”

She argued that a woman’s story, shared online, is more than just a narrative; it is a tool for visibility, a preservation of experience, and a blueprint for confidence that can unlock doors to leadership and economic empowerment. “Do not hide your story; your journey may inspire someone you have never met,” she urged the women in attendance. “Use digital tools to learn, share and grow.”

This sentiment resonated deeply with the goodwill messages that followed. The Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Comrade Mrs. Tracy Omamode Ikolomi, lauded DOPF for leveraging its platform to influence public attitudes. She described storytelling as a cornerstone of nation-building, capable of shaping public perception and inspiring societal transformation by showcasing women’s achievements and resilience.

“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,” Ikolomi stated.

The call for solidarity was further amplified by the State President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Comrade Mrs. Margaret Jeku Amuyiwa. Represented by the council’s secretary, Mrs. Nzemeka Juniana, Amuyiwa stressed that empowering women is synonymous with investing in national development, urging a focus on the girl-child. However, she also delivered a pointed message of internal unity: women must support one another rather than undermine themselves.

“Every opportunity given to a woman represents an investment in national development,” Amuyiwa said. “We need unity, mentorship and collective advocacy.”

The media’s pivotal role in this ecosystem was underscored by the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Delta State, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo. She commended DOPF for curating a theme that is both “inspiring and relevant,” reminding her colleagues that journalism is a powerful instrument for policy influence and amplifying marginalized voices. She called on digital publishers to tell stories that not only expose barriers to gender equality but also inspire actionable steps toward a more inclusive society.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Secretary of the event’s organising committee, Mrs. Josephine Omodior, framed the discussion as a core belief of the forum. “When people give support sincerely—whether through mentorship, opportunities or platforms—the impact multiplies and strengthens communities,” she said.

Rounding off the event, the Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, expressed pride in the forum’s growing community of female journalists and publishers. He assured stakeholders that DOPF remains steadfast in its commitment to using responsible digital journalism as a vehicle for social development and gender inclusion, turning the hashtag #GiveToGain into a sustained reality.