The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has felicitated with women around the world on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme; “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
The day is set aside to commemorate women’s achievements in building a better society and highlights their challenges.
Hajiya Zainab A. Ibrahim, executive director Directorate of Women Affairs and Deputy National Secretary, IPAC in a statement in Abuja yesterday said Nigerian women were resilient and had contributed significantly in building a strong, united, progressive democratic nation, yet grossly underrepresented in politics and government.
IPAC commended women’s rights organisations that have been advocating and championing inclusive governance, and urged various governments and stakeholders to take action #ForAllWomenAndGirls, unlock gender equality, and address issues of discrimination, harassment and violence against them.
This year’s theme calls for immediate action that will grant women equal rights, power and opportunities for all and ensures no woman is left behind, it said.
It said since the Beijing Declaration in 1995, most governments paid lip service to gender equality.
“It is crucial to accelerate action and take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality and empower women and girls to contribute in building a prosperous and just nation.
“This year, the systemic barriers and biases that women face must be effectively addressed to pave the way for grassroots and inclusive governance,” it said.
IPAC urged women to participate in politics, contest various elective positions and justify the confidence citizens reposed in them.
“The whole essence of the current bill in the National Assembly on reservation of special seats for women. Council commends the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and other members of the house for initiating the bill that will foster inclusivity in the second arm of government and demands its passage.
“IPAC’s Directorate of Women Affairs is broad based that ensures active women participation in politics and governance, and well-being of Nigerian women irrespective of their political, social, cultural and economic inclinations.
“Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Council under the leadership of Yusuf Mamman Dantalle established three Directorates dedicated to women, youth and people living with disabilities, ensuring that the voices of the underrepresented groups are heard and considered in IPAC. Being the first to achieve three elected women in the Council as provided in its Constitution, IPAC is set to pursue inclusivity and good governance for political parties.
“Together, let’s accelerate action for gender equality, rights and empowerment for a better Nigeria,” it added.
