The federal government of Nigeria has said that gender equality is a topmost priority in the country. It has also pledged to address the issues confronting women and girls among the 8 billion people across the globe.
This was disclosed on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the commemoration of the World Population Day in Abuja. The event had the theme “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock Our World’s Infinite Possibilities”.
The Chairman National Population Commission Mr. Nasir Isa Kwarra said: “Reflecting on this year’s theme is an avenue earnestly and collectively to tackle issues and concerns raised by the theme.”
Kwarra called on individuals and governments of all levels, including the civil society and NGOs to elicit new commitments to promote gender equality in Nigeria.
“Today’s event is envisaged to create and sustain platforms for engagements that will garner collective ideas, information and creativity on the best options to change the narrative regarding the plight of women and girls including young people in the world of 8 billion people.”
When voices of women and girls are recognized and given deserved attention regarding their pertinent needs in terms of quality education, participation in the workforce; good representation in political positions across all levels; access to quality health care services including family planning information and commodities; protection from harmful practices that impede their wellbeing and mar their future; protection from decisions that make them unequal across societies, then; and only then will Nigeria and the global community be able to secure a world of gender equality; a world where their Rights and Choices are respected and accorded the desired priority.
“I therefore look forward to a rich commemoration that will generate a
renewed commitment to put women and girls at the center of development, where they would be seen, heard and accepted.”
“May I use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to all Stakeholders, CSOs, NGOs, the Media, Partners and Donors who have supported in many ways to make this year’s commemoration a huge success.
“We look forward to deepening our partnerships in order to guarantee a world where women and girls’ voices find expression in concerns that matter most to their lives and existence for the emergence of a world where peace and progress thrive.”
While delivering his goodwill message, Ambassador Usman Sarki, Spokesperson of The Population Advisory Group (PGA), said gender equality remains central in the full implementation of NPP, as well as for addressing all the matters regarding the importance of women and girls in securing an inclusive and progressive society.
He further stated that “The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also speaks to the importance of inclusivity and recognition of women and girls’ equality in the achievements of peaceful and prosperous societies, as well as the attainment of social justice and promotion of human rights.”
“When we ignore the voices of women and girls in the world of 8 billion, it will lead to limiting their agency and ability to make decisions that are critical to their wellbeing, such as in the areas of health, education as well as employment and wealth creation.
“The provision of access to reproductive health and other necessary commodities in the form of life saving care and services to women, also promote better and healthier societies as we very well know.”