By Titaro Irmiya
The Federal Government and other stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment towards accelerating gender equality through implementation of economic empowerment for women.
They made this commitment at a Multi-stakeholders National Symposium on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Abuja.
Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, noted the challenges affecting women and children, adding that investment in women empowerment would promote economic growth and eliminate gender based violence.
Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasised that sensitisation, trainings and empowerment would also achieve sustainable development and meet the needs of the target persons.
“If you want to do advocacy, don’t do advocacy on hungry people because a hungry man is an angry man; if you want to do advocacy feed your host,” she said.
The minister, while alluding to the Women’s anthem, urged stakeholders to support the quest for women empowerment and inclusion in societal affairs.
“The anthem said it is time for action, women should fight for their rights, and the anthem equally said women cannot be silent when women and children are crying.
“It is time for us to take our place and build our nation; for nobody will do it for us,” she said.
Ms Ene Obi, former Country Director, Action Aid, Nigeria, noted the challenges in accessing healthcare services, economic hardship and poor participation of women in politics.
“What is the Nigerian government doing for Nigerian women? It is not about giving us tokenism, if you want to count her in elective positions.
“As we celebrate ourselves, we must reflect that some women are in serious pains. Girls are in captivity and women are dying,” she said.
Obi, therefore, emphasised the need to improve access to girl-child education to promote equal opportunities and participation of women in the social, economic and political affairs of the country.
“The educational system is the best platform to ‘count her in’.
“According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “all human beings are born free and equal,” and therefore, a woman is a human first and should be treated without bias,” she said.
Amanuel Mamo, Director of Advocacy, Campaign, Communication and Media for Save the Children Nigeria, called for scale up of social protection
services to women and girls.
Mamo, also advocated the creation of a national movement of ending child marriage, sending back all girls to school and implementing strategies and plan for the Child Protection Law (Child
Rights Act).
Other activities to mark the Day included the unveiling and presentation of Guidelines for the Localisation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and Related Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.
Also, the presentation of the Digital Women Empowerment Hub to facilitate access to information, data and activities on women empowerment within and outside the country.
Also, women entrepreneurs displayed some of their achievements and products as part of their contributions to national development. (NAN)
