The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, has said that women across the world want and deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes and violence.
Addressing a World Press Conference in Abuja, Nigeria to mark International Women’s Day, the minister said to attain a future that is sustainable, peaceful and violent-free with equal rights and opportunities for all, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made.
She said, “When women lead, we see positive results. Some of the most efficient and exemplary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were led by women. Young women are at the forefront of diversity and equality in all parts of the world. Yet, women under 30 are less than one percent of parliamentarians worldwide.
“This is why this year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry for generational equality, to act for an equal future for all. We must progress together no matter the storm, for as long as we are together, be rest assured we will overcome.”
Speaking further, she said that the COVID-19 pandemic has further widened the gap of inequality that disadvantaged women have been facing, noting that “the lockdown brought the livelihood of many women to an abrupt end”.
On her part, the Chairman, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imaan Suleiman, said over 80 percent of victims of human trafficking are women.
The NAPTIP Chairman who was represented by the Director, Counseling and Rehabilitation, Ebere Veron, said the agency will continue to work with Social Development Secretariat in areas of rescuing and also reuniting victims of human trafficking.
Similarly, the National Chairman of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mr Ladi Bala, said there’s no better time than now for everyone to join the campaign for women to be given a chance to contribute to development of the country.
She also raised concerns over the recent spate of insecurity in schools as it particularly affects the girl child, saying “Our girls need a save haven. Our school must be safe for our children to learn. We must not allow those bandits to hold us ransom”.
Also, the National Council of Women Society (NCWS), President, Dr. Gloria Shoda, said “we must say no to kidnapping of our women and domestic violence”.
She also called on women to always support women, saying that over time women have distinguished themselves in several areas in Nigeria except in politics due to lack of ensuring a level playing field for them.
VON