The International Women’s Day is set aside by the United Nations to draw attention to the roles of women in nation building, rally support for women’s rights and advancement in all facets of life.
Women Affairs Correspondent, Amaka Chibuzor Okoye sampled people’s opinions on the significance of the day and reports that
International women’s Day celebrated every eight March aimed at bringing to an end, the exclusion and marginalization of women and girls and as well encourage them to play active roles in shaping the society and pivotal decision making .
This year’s International Women’s Day has its theme as “women in leadership”, achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.
Commenting on the significance of the day, the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue said that in line with the theme of the day, there is need to break down the deep-seated historic, cultural and socio-economic barriers that prevent women from taking their seat at the decision making table and ensure that resources and power are more equitably distributed.
Lady Ndidi noted that in Anambra state, Governor Willie Obiano gave women fifty to sixty percent affirmative action noting that the Governor’s wife, Dr Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano has through her pet project CAFÉ touched lives of women in many ways including giving them opportunity to skills acquisition and empowerment, building of houses, supporting the widows and vulnerable people as well as provision of artificial limbs to physically challenged persons and giving hope to children with cleft lips.
The Commissioner encouraged women to give their children education which she said is the greatest asset they will offer to them, stating that with education, they will have voice in the nation even as she frowned at those who rush their girl children to early marriage.
The State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, Mrs Gloria Udevi, said women in the state have never had it so good, noting that the wife of the governor during her tour of the communities extended succor and benevolence to the poor and vulnerable people and giving them sense of belonging even as she said that she has engaged many of them to better career.
She urged women to support APGA government to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy witnessed in Obiano’s administration.
The Director, Catholic Women Organisation, Diocese of Awka, Lady Sabina Ndigwe enjoined women to play the role of motherhood which is their call by nature stating that in this pandemic era, they should look inwards and make themselves relevant, frowning at those who send their girl child to early marriage, noting that the church has helped to stop all the harmful practices meted to women in the name of culture.
On her part, the State focal person of Development Communication Network, Mrs Franca Madike, said women often face discrimination and have not been given the opportunity to reach their full potential in life, saying that in order to advance Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 3, women should be given adequate care to ensure healthy living of all ages and as well achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.
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