An Ibadan-based health expert, Mrs Elizabeth Abimbola, has identified Gender Equality Vital To Economic Growth – Health Expert equality as a major driver of economic growth.
Abimbola, who is the South-West Regional Coordinator of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), made the assertion during an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.
She stressed the need for government policies and programmes to reflect gender perspectives, in order to effectively address the unique needs and challenges faced by different groups in society.
The PPFN coordinator further called for investment in education and economic opportunities for women and girls to enhance their autonomy and decision-making capacity.
Abimbola said that by promoting gender equality, the society would achieve girl child education, poverty reduction and sustainable development.
“Apart from promoting girl child education, gender equality enhances autonomy, decision-making capacity and future opportunities for female children.
“Gender equality is a fundamental human right, essential for dignity, respect and social justice for the female gender,” she said.
She also said that women empowerment remained critical because it enabled women and girls to make informed decisions about their lives, bodies and health.
“Education and economic opportunities enhance women’s and girls’ status, and reduces vulnerability to poverty and exploitation.
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“Empowerment helps to reduce gender-based violence, it promotes a safer and more equitable society,” she said.
According to her, women participation in leadership and decision-making remains crucial to achieving sustainable development and social change.
“We need to recognise and address the multiple forms of discrimination and marginalisation that women and girls face,” she added.