A Non-governmental organisation, The Female Professionals Book Club (TFP), is calling for urgency in implementing policies on women’s rights and equity as it commemorates the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday some members of the TFP, said everyone has a part to play in ensuring women’s rights are preserved and not abused.
The Founder, TFP, Mrs Ezinne Ibe, said the 2025 theme was “Accelerate Action” which implied steps towards achieving gender equality.
According to her, over the years there had been efforts towards gender equality but there was the need to advance the cause of women regardless of where they are, status or otherwise.
“Now, there are some strategies that can drive the progress of women in every society that can help lift the biases, remove the systemic barriers that have plagued women or affected the cause of women over time.
“Education shouldn’t just be for literacy. Education is a very powerful tool that can empower any woman anytime, any day.
“Education can make a woman become confident so that she can take care and take charge of her life,” Ibe said.
She said, education is not just about formal education. “In different systems and regions of the world, people have come to terms that it’s not everybody that would go to school as it were.
“The four walls of education like you and I know it. There are different structures that have been put in place, whether they are trade schools, or vocational schools to make sure that everyone in the society has an equal opportunity to be educated,” Ibe said.
Also, an Engineer and asset manager for an energy company, Mrs Ada Uduanochie, said IWD was about celebrating women’s achievement, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to forge gender parity.
“It’s a day for everyone, both men and women, as we all have mothers, sisters, cousins, and soon.
“No doubt there has been a lot of progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
“We see the results of this in the government, companies and society as a whole,” she said.
Uduanachie stated that the theme was apt and pushing for urgency to expedite action collectively to accelerate action for gender equality.
“But we do ask for urgency to continue to push for policies in Nigeria to protect women’s rights and promote equal opportunities.
“In the private sector, implementing policies that ensure equal pay, representation and opportunities for women in leadership positions are crucial.
“In the media, there is the need to highlight stories of women’s achievements and portray women in diverse and empowering roles to challenge stereotypes.
“In education, we are pushing for access to all levels of education and training for women and girls.
“In the legal world, strengthening legal frameworks to protect women from discrimination and violence,” Uduanachie said.
According to her, by adopting a multifaceted approach which involves all stakeholders, Nigerians can make significant strides towards achieving the goals to ensure the empowerment of all women and girls quicker than we are currently doing now.
Mrs Olanrewaju Bamigboye, another member of TFP and Chief Executive Officer, LKB Professional Services, said the key roles of stakeholders include supporting women-focused organizations, and supporting women’s education, health and economic empowerment.
According to her, advocating for Laws and Policies that promote women’s rights as well as educating stakeholders about the importance of gender equality, and challenges women face are steps towards achieving gender equality.
Bamigboye said to empower vulnerable groups, girls and women, the government should prioritize sensitisation through various campaigns, enforce laws and policies to protect women and girls from discrimination and violence.
“The government should ensure access to quality healthcare, including social services and reproductive health services.
“The government should provide access to quality education by working with the key stakeholder.
“Also, the government can create an environment that empowers girls, women and vulnerable groups,” Bamigboye said.
A Medical Practitioner and member of the group, Dr Gbemisola Daramola called on all stakeholders especially civil society organisations to advocate for policy changes and reforms to promote gender equality.
“We need policies that will support women in the areas of education, healthcare and economic empowerment programmes.
“The private sector should implement policies and practices that allow for diversity, equality and inclusion in their organisations,” Daramola said.
Also, another TFP member, Mrs Doris Nwagwu emphasised equal opportunities and empowerment for women and girls.
Nwagwu said no women should be denied opportunities because of gender neither should anyone be downgraded.
She called for meritocracy in assigning roles and the need to do away with biases.
