As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2024, a public relations expert, Rhoda Kusimo has called on governments at all levels to take concrete actions and measures to ensure meaningful progress and true empowerment of women.
Kusimo in a chat with LEADERSHIP said the pledge of 35% affirmative action for women in political appointments by the government is a positive step towards gender equality, but lamented the gap between commitment and implementation, adding that more often are promises, talks, theories with no implementation.
According to her, “Women that are interested in politics should be nurtured from their teenage years. There should be equal opportunity given to young women interested in going into politics. It’s essential to continuously assess and address the challenges hindering the fulfillment of this pledge, fostering a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Nigeria.”
She encouraged everyone to join the 2024 movement #InspireInclusion to collectively shape a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, both professionally and personally.
Speaking on girl child education, she urged stakeholders to work towards subsidising sanitary pads as a crucial step in supporting girls’ education and addressing the challenges posed by menstruation.
“Access to affordable menstrual hygiene products is essential for ensuring that girls can attend school without disruption. In my own opinion, pads should be free. They should be essentials given to all students. No girl should pay for pad or sanitary items.”
Kusimo also revealed that through her NGO “GHIEF” (Global Hope Integrated Empowerment Foundation), which focuses on the education, healthcare and empowerment of children, women and fostering community development, she has helped girls go to school and stay in school by providing them a sanitary box containing sanitary pad and body/hygiene products every month.
“We provide over 80 girls these boxes every month. I strongly believe that government subsidies can contribute to more access to pads and sanitary materials to young women and girls. This will promote an environment where all girls can pursue education without being hindered by the increased costs of menstrual products.”
At Women’s Day 2024, Rhoda Kusimo exemplifies the theme by actively building a future where biases are dismantled, and opportunities are accessible to all. Through a blend of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community engagement, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, making a significant difference in the lives of others.
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