Women
HAJIYA Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima and other stakeholders said political equity and women empowerment were crucial to sustainable development in Nigeria.
They made this known at the Women of Worth Group Global Magazine unveiling and Award Dinner in Abuja.
Shettima, represented by Zainab Gimba, member representing Bama/Ngala/Kalabalge Federal Constituency of Borno ,said Nigerian women have been faced with numerous challenges yet they were relentless in achieving their dreams.
She said,“I encourage you women to continue to be strong and to strive to succeed in all you do because you hold the key to national development.
“I urge you to carry everyone along regardless of religion and ethnicity, strive to create inclusion in all you do and work together as one, encouraging each other to be better.
“I commend the initiative of the Women of Worth Global Group, this is a major milestone in promoting women and giving them hope in politics and all spheres of life.’’
The Keynote Speaker, Amina Farouk, a Humanitarian and politician ,said that although women were more than half of Nigeria’s population, lamenting, ”however, their political participation has been regressing overtime.
Farouk said Nigeria has one of the lowest participation of women in politics globally due to cultural, religious biases, lack of finance, patriarchy and stereotypes.
According to her, other reasons include tagging female politicians as immoral, God-fatherism, insecurity, and poor party system, among others.
Farouk said, “This reflects in our parliament as only three female Senators and 17 female legislators are women out of the 469 legislators and senators in Nigeria.
“When it comes to the national average for women’s participation, Nigeria is 149 out of 155.
”This is a disgraceful number .In Africa, which is even worse for us, Nigeria has only six per cent of women participation as against the stipulated 15 per cent.
“Women are not only good for women leader positions in parties, this has to change. They need to become chairpersons, secretaries among others.’’
According to her, the case is worse because, ”Nigeria does not have an electoral gender quota system which would have helped.”
She, therefore, recommended an urgent need to create policies to enhance a level playing field for women and encourage their participation in politics and ensure their total implementation .
Farouk also recommended that political parties not practicing 35 per cent affirmative action should be de-registered .
She called on the stakeholders to put all hands on the deck for gender mainstreaming, gender equity and social inclusion with constitutional backing and implementation.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, called on women to support and lift each other without discrimination to grow in all spheres of life.
“God will change the narrative of women and make them occupy offices that will change the lives of other women,’’she said
UN Women Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, called for unity among women adding, “That is the Africa we want to see, a place where everyone has equal right, leaving no one behind.’’
The President of Women of Worth Global Group, Mrs Comfort Adesoye, was represented by the Vice-President, Hadiza Shettima.
She said the launch of “Women of Worth” magazine marked a significant milestone in the journey to celebrate, honor, and amplify women’s voices and achievements .
“Women of Worth” is more than just a magazine; it is a movement. It embodies the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women from all walks of life.
Adesoye said, “Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions women make to society, whether in business, arts, science, community service, or any other field.
“In these pages, you will find stories that inspire, empower, and encourage. Stories of women who have broken barriers, defied odds, and pursued their passions with unwavering determination.’’
Adesoye said the magazine would serve as a platform to offer insights and perspectives that often go unheard and inspire future generations to dream bigger, reach higher, and know that they, too, can make a significant impact.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that women representatives from all walks of life and strata of the economy were present at the event including dignitaries from Poland and Cuban Embassies.
Highlights of the event were the launch of the women of worth magazine and the presentation of awards to well deserving women who have carved a niche in their various fields.
The awardees included the wife of the President and the Vice- President, Remi Tinubu and Nana Shettima, respectively, among others.
One of the Awardees, Hajara Kadiri, commended the initiative of the group to support and encourage women.
“I feel very grateful to God that I am part of this event and I will like to dedicate my award to those women who are faceless ,who don’t have voices but do a lot in their spaces to better the lot of the Nigerian child.’’(NAN)
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-May 26, 2024 @ 08:28 GMT|
Tags: Beatrice Eyong Hajiya Nana Shettima Mrs Comfort Adesoye Pauline Tallen Remi Tinubu Zainab Gimba
