Omamuzo Efidhere
As the world marks the 2020 International Women’s Day, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, NILOWV, Dame Esther Uduehi, has identified gender equality as a prerequisite for economic and communities’ growth.
With the international theme ‘I am Generation Equality: realizing women’s rights. #EachForEqual’ Rt. Hon Dame Esther Uduehi, PhD in a press briefing held recently to commemorate the international women’s day at the Abuja office of the league of Women voters of Nigeria said that “the theme seeks to draw attention to the idea that gender inequality is not a women’s issue but an economic one- that gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive.
“Another year has rolled by and once again we celebrate the International Day of Women. Celebrating a struggle for women’s rights and gender equality that has been on for ages and generations, in Nigeria the story of gender inequality is very pathetic, it cries to high heaven. Nigeria will be a better country and a stronger economy if and only if it embraces and acknowledges the rights of women and their importance in building a just, free and economic society.
“As I have always said, Nigeria is currently only seeing with one eye and so it is blinded in the other. For as long as it sees with only one eye, things cannot be right. She needs the second eye, she needs to see with her two eyes and we can all make her do so by playing our individual roles in this campaign. We can all make a difference from our various corners especially for those in Government, Board rooms and corporate offices and most especially the media.
“The problem of gender inequality is no more a Women’s issue but an economic issue and each and every one of us have a role to play in achieving a gender balanced Nigeria that thus becomes an enabled society and an economic giant.
“Though complete gender equality may not be achieved in another century, it is important to create this awareness and the Media is a good place and organ to be employed in doing so. The campaign is to draw attention to the difference individuals can make in building a balanced and just world by doing our individual bits to bring about gender equality for as it is said an equal world is an enabled world.
“We thank ActionAid Nigeria for its partnership with the support of the Canadian Government and I am asking you to partner with us in the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (Nilowv) in our mobilization, education, sensitization and Advocacy efforts and drive to build a better Nigeria with the full and active participation of men and women, boys and girls. The League exists in the 36 States of Nigeria and FCT and where ever you are, you can help us make a difference. Together we can, yes we can.” She said
