International Women’s Day, IWD, is commemorated on 8 of March every year to celebrate the achievements of women.
This year’s theme according to the United Nations is “Investing in women, accelerating progress”, with a global hashtag: #InspireInclusion.
This theme emphasizes the need to get more women involved in critical sectors and in the decision making process globally.
A report from the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap 2023 indicated that it will take another 131 years to reach gender parity.
The UN General Secretary, Antonio Guterres, in his global address disclosed that women, though demolishing barriers, dismantling stereotypes and driving progress towards a more just and equal world, have made great gains, yet they face immense obstacles.
“ Billions of women and girls face marginalization, injustice and discrimination, while the persistent epidemic of violence against women disgraces humanity.
“Our world still reflects millennia of male-dominated power relations.
“And progress is under attack, with a fierce backlash against women’s rights. At our current rate, legal equality is some three hundred years away. We must move much faster,” he said.
While emphasizing on this year’s theme, Guterres maintained that countries must invest in program to end violence against women and to drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action.
This he said, is in addition to supporting women’s organizations on the frontline, as ending patriarchy requires money on the table.
“ This all depends on unlocking finance for sustainable development so that countries have funds available to invest in women and girls.
“We also need to increase the number of women leaders in business, finance, central banks and finance ministries. This can help drive investments in policies and program that respond to women and girls’ needs.
“Women’s rights are a proven path to fair, peaceful, prosperous societies. It is good for us all”, he said.
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In Nigeria, to commemorate the IWD, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured
that his administration will prioritize the welfare of women, protect their rights, and advance their causes.
Speaking in a statement made available to CREDIBLE NEWS by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the president described women as the nation’s pivot.
He noted that the theme of this year’s IWD fits well within his administration’s policy initiatives on educating and empowering women, not only through inclusion in governance, but also by ensuring that they remain relevant and unimpeachable voices in the development process across all sectors of the economy.
The President stated that his administration is focused on providing investments in educating the girl child, while fostering inclusive program and initiatives that bolster their active roles in the areas of knowledge, science, technology, research and innovation into the future.
He further noted the fact that women, aside from contributing to more than half of the world’s population, their roles are essential in positively shaping the world. And stakeholders are soon coming to terms with this reality.
As the world continues to navigate its way through many crises ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change, one thing is pertinent, that these challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women.
By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer and more equal world for all.
Credible News.ng
