Gender equality: PIC to convene inclusive summit in November

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) in its efforts to promoting and encouraging respect for human rights as advocated by the United Nations (UN) charter has disclosed plans to host a transformative Gender Summit tagged “The PIC GS-22” in November.

Its Deputy Director Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, while briefing the press ahead of the summit on Wednesday in Abuja, said the PIC GS-22 will be held on the theme: “Connecting the Dots for a Gender-Inclusive Society.

Dirisu explained that the phrase of the theme “connect the dots” was strategically chosen as it implies cultivating a worldview that helps you to see the inter-connections between issues, information and trends, which she noted, are unrelated on the surface.

According to her, this implies that one can view the interconnections of complex issues such as gender that appears distinct, and develop an integrated perspective that facilitates synergy, impact and amplifies the inherent strengths of multidimensional gender/inclusion issues.

She added that the PIC through the summit intends to breakdown ‘siloed’ approach to viewing gender in the society and assist stakeholders understand that everyone irrespective of their gender , culture, ethnic group, social class or disabilities can meaningful foster a gender inclusive society.

“The GS-22 aims to bring together cutting edge research and practice related to gender and the policy process providing an opportunity for attendees to share perspectives, exchange ideas, learn from gender experts and expand their works for future policy and programmatic work.

“The PIC GS-22 will provide a platform to explore transformative ways to achieve gender equality, and accelerate the actualization of the SDG’s as well as positive outcomes for men and women,” she assured.

“The summit will convene public, private, and development sector practitioners to co-creat actionable strategies for addressing gaps in gender responsive governance, policy and programming in Nigeria,” she added.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NESG Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, noted that women are disproportionately affected by unequal treatment on the basis of gender, adding however that men are not left out.

He expressed worry that Nigeria ranks low on the global gender index, stressing the need for urgent joint efforts towards abating gender inequality and inclusion-related losses.

“Nigeria lags behind in achieving critical SDG priorities with a performance score of 46.4; Gender equality is a key accelerator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG”s). Policies that adopt inclusive approaches are central to accelerating SDG attainment in Nigeria.

“A recent analysis by the UN reported that by 2030, for every 100 men living in poverty, there will be 121 women if deliberate steps are not taken to counter the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he warned.