The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has called on the Federal Government to ensure an all inclusive policies and stronger collaboration on programmes that would create spaces for women to be properly represented in politics and business.
The President of the council, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Laraba Shoda, (mni) made the call as part of programmes heralding 2019 International Women’s Day (IWD) which on March 8, by the United Nations and many other organisations across the world. Shoda said that as much as there were efforts to expand the frontiers for women to participate in economic, politics and social institutions in the society, there was urgent need to focus on those in rural areas.
She said that those in the rural areas needed inclusive policies, financial support and social structures to facilitate their contributions to development.
According to the council boss: “It is imperative to press for progress across different markers of development, especially for women, and ensure that spaces are created for them to achieve their potentials.
“As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day, it is important to stress the contribution of women to national development. But at the same time, it is an opportunity to call for inclusive policies and open space to address issues of gender parity.
“This will make it easier for women to not only reach their full potentials in politics and business, but also expand the space for representation in societal integration and growth.” she said.
Shoda noted that the council over the years had empowered million of women and created opportunities for them to expand in business but there is still an urgent need for inclusive policy that would better the lives of women especially in governance.
She said this year’s theme for International Women’s Day 2019, “Think equal, build smart, and innovate for change”, would focus on innovative ways to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women.
She said the theme called on government to pay particular attention to areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.
The achievement of the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly when it comes to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Based on current trajections, existing interventions would not suffice to achieve a Planet 50-50 by 2030. Innovative approaches that disrupt “business as usual” are central to removing structural barriers and ensuring that no woman and no girl is left behind.
