By Pauline Podka
AS we join the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Day, Environmental Defenders Network is calling for visible action towards women empowerment in Nigeria, to acknowledge women as valuable contributors to policy making and development in the society.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes the urgency of advancing gender equality and the need for collective action to accelerate progress towards a more just and equitable world.
Despite progress made, women and girls continue to face significant barriers to equality.
These barriers Include, limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities persistent pay gaps and unequal representation in leadership positions.
Others are, pervasive violence and harassment, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking; intimidation and oppression in the workplace, limiting the rights and freedom of women.
To address these challenges, we call on governments, organizations, and individuals to: promote inclusive policies and laws that benefit all women and girl, as well as support women’s leadership and participation in all areas of life.
EDEN also wants government and relevant organizations to address intersectional inequalities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The group also wants end to violence against women and girls and ensure access to justice and support services.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must recognize that women’s empowerment is essential to achieving a more prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable world.
“We reaffirm our commitment to promoting women’s rights, equality, and empowerment.”
“Let us all continue to speak and take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, and increased pace and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional fields.