The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) wants the Federal Government to ensure all-inclusive policies that would create opportunities for women in politics and business.
Mrs Gloria Shoda, NCWS President said this in a statement on Thursday, to mark the 2019 International Women’s Day (IWD).
This year’s IWD is themed: “Think equal, build smart, and innovate for change”.
Shoda said that the day was marked every March 8, by the United Nations and other global organisations to bring to the fore issues that affect women.
The council boss said that in spite of efforts to expand the frontiers for women, there was a more urgent need to focus on women in rural areas.
She said that those in the rural areas needed inclusive policies, financial support and social structures that would aid them in making positive contributions to development.
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According to the council boss, it is imperative to press for progress across different markers of development, especially for women, and ensure that spaces are created for them to achieve their potentials.
“As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day, it is important to stress the contribution of women to national development.
“But at the same time, it is an opportunity to call for inclusive policies and open space to address issues of gender parity.
“This will make it easier for women to not only reach their full potentials in politics and business but also expand the space for representation in societal integration and growth,” she said.
Shoda noted that the council over the years had empowered millions of women and created opportunities for them to expand in business; and urged support for the NCWS to help women achieve their goals.
According to her, the 2019 IWD’s theme of “Think equal, build smart, and innovate for change”, will advance gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Shoda said the theme was apt as it called on the government to pay particular attention to areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.
She said the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could only be achieved by transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly in the area of advancing gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
She, however, said that based on current trajectories, existing interventions would not suffice to achieve a Planet 50-50 by 2030.
Shoda noted that innovative approaches that disrupt “business as usual’’ were central to removing structural barriers and ensuring that no woman or girl was left behind.
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