IWD: Experts Harp On Inclusion, Equity For Women Empowerment

In commemoration of the 2025 International women’s day, experts and stakeholders have called for more support for women participation in leadership, equal opportunities, rights and more empowerment for women.

This was during a conference organised by the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) with the theme: “Breaking Barriers, Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment advocacy and sustainable development with the support of the Government of Ireland through the Embassy of Ireland(Nigeria) in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi ,Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, said women are instrumental in the development of every nation.

She said that the theme of 2025 International Women’s Day is very important as it highlights the challenges that women go through in getting equal opportunities with their male counterparts in every sphere of life.

She called for more support for women education, women who are aspiring leadership positions and considering politics including those in every sphere of the society.

Also, Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Buhaji Aliu said the time is apt and immediate actions should be taken to empower women with education and encourage them to aspire leadership positions in the future.

“In fact, it comes at the right time that more women are calling for empowerment, a greater population of women must be educated, whether in the urban or community, so that women can stand up to the challenges ahead of us.

“The Beijing Declaration, which was signed by 189 countries. Nigeria is one of it up to now we’ve not meet up our 30% -35% affirmative action, because the men in Africa or Nigeria. Think Nigeria is for men alone,

“Beijing Declaration is 30 years. And look at what is happening. Our challenges women in the parliament during our time, we are 13 women from all over the country, not from one zone today.

“Look at the parliament, the National Assembly, the the Senate, have 109 and how many women, four women, and they have suspend one woman, which is very, very bad. I’m calling on the senate president to as quickly as possible reverse that decision of suspending.

The Convener, Mr Augustine Igweshi, Executive Director of the organisation highlighted the organisation’s efforts in combating gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting women’s empowerment in the country.

“It is with great honour and pleasure that i welcome you to this significant gathering focused on gender equality and woman empowerment ,we unite to reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls ensuring that they have equal opportunities to thrive in all aspects of the society .

“Today, we unite not only to discuss but to reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive in all aspects of the society.

He stressed on the various aspects of the project, focusing on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) reduction.

“In the core of our projects is the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and it is implemented across three FCT Area Councils: Abaji, Bwari, and Kuje.

“It addresses gender inequality, poor awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and eliminating gender-based violence.

“Through the “Mental Health to Greatness Fellowship”.we have empowered 30 young women and trained 20 men and women as Anti-GBV Ambassadors, now championing awareness and community reporting.

“We have reached out to over 5,000 persons through campaigns and sensitization efforts and carried out community engagements including market sensitization, road walks and town hall meetings.

“Raising Bio-gas awareness and training to help rural women shift from charcoal use to sustainable energy.

Integration of STEM and arts for data-driven advocacy in schools are all part of our special projects for the program.” he added.

“Fatima Momoh, Edo women worldwide (EWA)said the program has opened her eyes to the importance of gender equality and empowerment for a woman adding that every woman deserves to be heard.

“It is worthy of note that every woman deserves to be respected and should understand the need to speak out, it is for women to know their capability and ability to serve without fear or favour.”she stated.

The event also featured panel sessions, discussions and engagement with experts, stakeholders, and beneficiaries on topics centered around gender policy, education, technology inclusion, community action, and inclusive development.