2023 IWD: AMAC Chairman Advocates Socio-political Empowerment for Women

In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in Nigeria’s capital, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has called for greater socio-economic and political empowerment of women to further enhance their status as agents of sustainable development.

Maikalangu made this known in a statement he issued to commemorate the 2023 International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023 marked under the theme, “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”.

He emphasized the importance of the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.

While congratulating women on the occasion of the 2023 International Women’s Day, Maikalangu assured that his administration will work towards reducing maternal mortality rates to zero by providing adequate standard health facilities in rural communities in AMAC to cater for pregnant women and children.

He noted that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPfA) already recognized that women’s participation in politics and decision-making are essential to achieving sustainable development.

Maikalangu, however, lamented that Nigeria was still lagging in many areas in terms of gender equality and balance.

“In Nigeria, women make up a mere 3.8 per cent representation inparliament, the lowest in Africa. Yet, greater involvement of women in decision-making will enhance the goals of equality, development peace, advancement of Nigeria’s democracy and even acceleration of women participation in government,” he said.

While urging political actors across all levels to give priority to activities aimed at advancing gender inclusion, balance and equality, the council boss commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari; the Minister of State FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu; and wife of the Senator representing the FCT at the National Assembly, Princess Hauwa Aduda; and other stakeholders for their unrelenting quest to ensure empowerment of women for national development.