NGO calls for mandatory empowerment of women

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Africa Youth Growth Forum (AYGF), has called for a mandatory policy aimed at empowering women across board.

Its Communications Officer, Abba Abba, underscored the importance of the annual celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) as a significant date to celebrate the important roles women play in society.

“We also appreciate their contributions to the growth and development. AYGF marks this day and commits to upholding achievements on gender equality and women empowerment.

“We also appreciate the role played by our women in the society and their contributions to the growth and development,” Abba said in a statement in Lagos.

According to him, theme for the 2021 International Women’s Day is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World” and it sets the stage for intersectional feminism.

“The global role of women defines them as caretakers, farmers, educators and entrepreneurs.

“Throughout history, the central role of women in society has guaranteed the stability, progress and long-term development of nations.

“International Women’s Day comes on the heels of global advocacy for women’s rights, equality and justice.

“The issue of poverty, sexual harassment, violence, and discrimination against women continue to attract global attention, hurled by an increasing zeal for change.

“These factors are also well recognised pointers of women’s empowerment and development, as research suggests that gender-based interventions are crucial for halting the generational cycle of poverty, particularly for disadvantaged women and girl children.”

Also, Executive Director of AYGF, Dr Arome Salifu, celebrated the resilient women in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.

Salifu said that women empowerment was mandatory in order to transform perceived social disadvantage to opportunities.