By Chiweta Nwagbara
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, during her 10th AWLA Parley in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, has called for a renewed commitment to recognizing, supporting, and empowering women to rise above the limitations imposed on them by society.

The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, during her 10th AWLA Parley in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, has called for a renewed commitment to recognizing, supporting, and empowering women to rise above the limitations imposed on them by society.

Speaking at Parley and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026, the country representative, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Falilat Orire, said women must be encouraged to understand that their abilities, aspirations, and contributions cannot be defined by societal barriers.

Ngozi Enyosiobi-Abafor, Esq., the Chairperson of the Parley Planning Committee, said the theme, “Women Beyond Limitations,” was particularly relevant at a time when women continue to confront discrimination, stereotypes, and other obstacles capable of restricting their personal, professional, and social development.

Enyiosiobi-Abafor noted that women and the girl child should be treated equally and given the opportunity to realize their full potential, stressing that gender should never be used as a basis for determining a person’s worth, rights, or opportunities.

The president of the African Women Lawyers Association International, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba, Esq., in her view, said the strength of a woman should not be measured by the limitations placed before her but by her ability to confront challenges, overcome barriers, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Another keynote speaker, Mrs. Ginika Tor, during her speech, said women were not in competition with men but were seeking a level playing ground, support, and partnership that would enable both genders to contribute effectively to the development of society.

Chief Mrs. Oluronke Adeyemi, SAN, further urged women to develop confidence in their abilities and refuse to allow societal expectations, stereotypes, or discrimination to determine the boundaries of their aspirations.

The keynote speaker, Justice S.T. Bello, also encouraged women to look beyond the limitations often used to define them and focus instead on their possibilities, abilities, and achievements.

The male champion amongst the speakers, Mr. Abdulrahman Olawale Sholagberu, Esq., stressed that a woman should be defined by herself, her character, capacity, and accomplishments rather than by the restrictions imposed on her by society.

According to them, a woman desirous of growth should be prepared to confront difficult situations with courage, determination, and resilience, rather than waiting for permission before pursuing her legitimate aspirations.

They noted that being a successful career woman does not mean living without barriers or challenges but possessing the courage and determination to continue moving forward despite the obstacles encountered along the way.

They also frowned at situations where women pull one another down, stressing that women must replace antagonism with cooperation, mentorship, and mutual support if they are to achieve their full potential.

The speakers, therefore, urged women to push themselves beyond limitations, see possibilities beyond barriers, and recognize the strength within them to break through every obstacle standing between them and their aspirations.