The National Woman Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma has appealed to stakeholders at all levels to ensure more action on gender equality so as to guarantee an egalitarian society.
The National Woman leader made the suggestion to mark this year’s international women’s day in Abuja
“International Women’s day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality”.
She said the theme of this year’s celebration is already an indication of global yearn to consolidate on a robust par policy
“This year’s theme #EachForEqual calls on us collectively to help create a gender-equal world.”
Mrs Umar-Eluma expressed worries on the down turn of statistics not in tandem with the good living for our women,noting that more global actions of government at all levels could translate to a better and improved condition of our women
“According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020, it indicates it will take about 99.5 years to make Gender equality a reality. This is a depressing reality because it implies a lot of us may not be alive to witness women in more favourable conditions.”
He expressed reservation on the present indices relating to women’s welfare,but expressed high optimism of turn of events in the shortest possible time, inview of the vulnerable nature of our women,commending efforts of stakeholders in Nigeria that had improve it’s ranking to an impressive rank of 38.
“The report ranked 153 countries with regards to women welfare in four dimensions: Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival and Political Empowerment. Nigeria sadly was ranked 128 overall in the four dimensions. However compared to previous years, Nigeria has slightly improved in the dimension of Economic participation and opportunities for women where we now rank 38.”
Even though the current position calls for more concerted efforts without reservation,the role of women in key positions of our economy,adminstration,politics,and others cannot be over emphasised.Mrs Umar-Eluma said
“This dismal report shows that we have a lot of work to do in Nigeria concerning Gender Equality and it all stems from how we treat women. Until we see women capable of playing significant roles in our homes, workplaces, and even in politics, and until we treat women with respect, our society will suffer for it.”
She maintained that the application and practice of gender parity as it is applicable, had brought to the front burner in the areas of economic,social and security of lives and properties and peaceful co-existence countries that had toe the sane practice worldwide.
“It is not surprising that a lot of the top countries to have achieved Gender Equality also appear at the top of the list in happiest places in the world. It is no coincidence, ladies and gentlemen, that countries that have achieved Gender equality are wealthier, successful and more peaceful.”
Hajia Salamatu Baiwa further appealed to critical stakeholders to use this year’s celebration to reflect on genuine desire to achieve gender equality,abhor stereotypes,expand thoughts,support women on gender related issues and achievements, so as to collectively ensure gender equal world.
“I hope that we use this day to reflect on how we can achieve true gender equality, rather than relying on optics. Let us challenge stereotypes wherever we witness it, broaden perceptions on gender roles, support women in their endeavours and celebrate women’s achievements.
Collectively, we can each help to create a gender-equal world.
We can all choose to be #EachforEqual.”
