By Lady Ndidi Mezue
Anambra State Government, in July 2007, institutionalized Mothers’ Summit as an annual celebration. Since then, it has become a platform that provides the panacea for continuous engagement with communities and to strengthen further, the grass root development paradigm currently being experienced in the State.
This year’s summit presents a unique opportunity to critically evaluate the fundamental challenges faced by women, children, Persons with Disability and other vulnerable groups, as well as have short walk with a sensitive theme“Promoting Gender Balance and Social Values”.
Promoting Gender balance and Social Values are two growth drivers to achieving sustainable development and improving the general wellbeing of the society. According to UAE Gender Balance Council (2017), equal access of both men and women to public and economic opportunities is part of a more equitable and sustainable economy and society.
Indeed, achieving gender balance in the public sector is found to contribute to reduced inequality rates and considerably improved public confidence in government institutions. Greater empowerment of women in public leadership positions often leads to higher living standards, plus positive developments in health, education and infrastructure, with potential long-term growth effects.
In the private sector, greater gender balance is also found to increase the competitiveness of the labour market, boost productivity gains, and expand the talent pool from which employers can draw.
Men and women have different capacities and priorities. Women tend to be more participatory, more collaborative and less hierarchical than men. Women are builders, nurturers, caregivers, so they tend to take efficient delivery of public service more seriously and to be more responsive to their constituents. They are also peace builders and conflict resolution agents.
No wonder, Anambra State Government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, has continued to change the narrative of 35% affirmative action. This is clearly evident in the working team of the Governor, made up of Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistant and Special Assistants, being women who have shown and demonstrated capacity in their various field of endeavour
A sure way to achieving gender balance is by empowering both men and women to take control over their lives: setting their agendas, gaining skills, building self-confidence, solving their socio-economic problems and developing self-reliance.
It is on this background that the ever supportive Wife of the Working and Alert Governor, Dr. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme Global, Mama Anambra) through her Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), a Non Governmental Organization, has provided Shelters and succor to indigent women.
In special schools, CAFÉ has sank boreholes; built toilets in markets; rehabilitated and reconciled mentally challenged persons to their families and have empowered over four thousand, six hundred and ten women, and youth in various skills towards self reliance. Indeed, these strategic interventions have greatly reduced social vices and helped in resuscitating idle capacities.
This singular act of her Excellency, has earned her recognition, both home and abroad. They include Award of Excellence by Worldwide Organization for Women in New York, United States of America and WASH Ambassador; winner of 2017 Zik Prize in Humanitarian Leadership. She is also arecipient of Doctor of Letters from the prestigious Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, etcetera. Osodieme, through her actions, has significantly reduced the gender imbalance in our society and have greatly restored human dignity, self value and a step over extreme poverty.As women commemorate this year’s mother’s summit; it is time to collectively work towards strengthening systems, structures and institutions that support and recognize gender balance as a way of promoting social values.
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