This year’s International Women’s Day celebration, themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” should serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the imperative to prioritize the rights and well-being of women and girls worldwide.
A statement by a nonprofit organization concerned with women’s development, DevComs Network, with the support of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, highlighted the increased need for investment in women and girls to accelerate gender equality and social change.
Dr Taiwo Johnson, the head of TCI Nigeria, emphasised that this year’s IWD theme underscores the urgent need to invest in women as catalysts for progress in all spheres of society.
Dr. Johnson stated that the organization recognizes the essential role of comprehensive family planning services and inclusive health research in enabling women to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures.
“By increasing investments in these areas, we can empower women to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives and contribute to sustainable development.” However, these efforts need to be championed locally at the levels of local, state, and national governance.
Meanwhile, in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024, DevComs Network has called on governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, stakeholders, and individuals in the eight states (Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Jigawa, Kwara, Osun, Sokoto, and Yobe) to prioritize investments in women and girls, with a specific focus on family planning and inclusive health research.
“By doing so, we can accelerate progress towards achieving gender equality and building a more equitable world for all Nigerians. State-based media organizations in the 8 states and other mediums in 13 additional states will organize a series of public awareness activities to mark this year’s IWD.
“DevComs has a steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. We emphasize the critical importance of increased investment in women and girls, particularly in the realms of family planning, inclusive health research, and public health journalism,” says the program director, Akin Jimoh.
“In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024, we underscore the pivotal role of investment in women and girls, emphasizing family planning, inclusive health research, and journalism as key avenues for progress.”