Association Advocates Women Empowerment to enhance Nation building

West African Women Association (WAWA) stakeholders have advocated for the empowerment and inclusion of women in all spheres of decision-making to enhance national development.

This was the resonating position at the West African Women Association (WAWA) Awards ceremony held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to celebrate men, women and youths who have contributed to the empowerment of women, youths and the girl child.

The event with the theme ’’Gender Equality, Emancipation and development of women in West Africa’’, was a platform to galvanize concrete action for promoting the economic status of women in the region.

Speaking at the event, the WAWA Nigeria’s Focal Person Dr. Beatrice Ubeku, explained that when women gather things happen, therefore women should be included in decision-making bodies.

“When women gather things happen, however for there to be an integrated society women must be involved in the schemes of things in the society at large. In the region, the West African Women Association is particular about putting the issues of women among priorities in concerns to fight for positive action on climate change which also involves the fight against money laundering and curbing it, which partnership has been made with the money laundering international that is part of the ECOWAS and also involved in the war against drug abuse, addiction and trafficking, relentless fight against domestic violence, rape/sexual abuse and all forms of violence against woman”.

Dr. Ubeku, added that “the need for women equality in participation in vital sectors which calls for an end to gender imbalance and inequality and also the extension of opportunities and privileges to be given to women for credit facilities in business and educational prospects. This award is not only to recognize the women and men who have contributed to the development of women equality and fight against gender imbalance but also to those who are eager to join the fight in empowering women and engaging them in productivity also making them free in partnering towards great advancement”.

Also speaking, the Regional President of WAWA, Khady Fall Tall, noted that when women are supported they bring drastic change.

“I urge Nigeria to celebrate the grand patrons dedicated in the region and other persons who have helped in the work. We want to work in agriculture on milk production, especially for women in the transformation of agriculture products. I also encourage Nigeria to improve the economic situation of women, I call for more technical action, we are already there but more concrete actions and commitment is needed to build back better from the effect of COVID-19”.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, who was one of the awardees, was represented by Deputy High Commissioner Gill Atkinson, and she reiterated the UK’s commitment to the promotion of girl child education. “Women and girls in Nigeria and across West Africa should have the opportunity to make their life choices, it is of importance to the British government particularly the Prime Minister who has championed this course throughout his political career. He saw to it that every girl child has at least 12 years of quality education which is the major focus of the British government across West Africa, especially in Nigeria where there are clever girls and others who don’t have the opportunity and privilege to quality education especially in reading, writing and making quality life decisions. The UK government works hard in reducing the rate of maternal mortality and introducing the use of modern methods of family planning. At the end of 2022 the UK supported over 15% of women and girls in 5 states to have access to productive and effective health care services. There is more to be done for women and girls in Nigeria and across West Africa to participate equally”.

She added that “I am pleased and proud to see women in senior positions, government offices, business, media, sports and culture. I hope that after the 2023 elections more women will emerge in political positions in Nigeria because it will make a big difference. I, therefore, charge every Nigerian adult to exercise their civil rights in voting for candidates with the promise of accepting women into basic roles in Nigeria which will precede a better future for the women in Nigeria”

Awards

About twenty Awards were given to both men and women including posthumous awards.

West African Women Association (WAWA) comprises women and women-oriented organisations in the West African region. It caters to the emancipation of women and children through economic empowerment in agricultural seed facilities assistance, championing human rights for widows and those suffering from domestic violence.

Olusola Akintonde