United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) says it will continue to introduce meaningful empowerment Programmes to women for sustainable growth in the society.
UNFPA State Project Coordinator, Mr Umar Idris, stated the development at Commemoration of 2021 International Women’s Day in Sokoto State.
According to him, considering the roles of Women in the society if supported they will change the world for a better place.
Mr Idris called for government at all levels to always ensure full autonomy, equity and fairness for Women especially in the area of appointments and among others.
” No country has yet attained complete gender parity in leadership, but I believe that will get there, and that Women, will collectively change our world for the better,
” Where there is gender equality society are more prosperous, peace is more durable and all society benefits,
” Yet many obstacles still blocks women path to leadership, one of the fundamentals is lack of bodly autonomy many women cannot make basic decisions about their bodies, such as whether to have sexual relation s or to make their own health care choices,” Idris said.
He congratulated Women for witnessing yet another great day and especially for those leading the charge for equality.
He added that UNFPA would continue to ensure women both gain skills and opportunities to lead world and build on a firm foundation of bodily autonomy.
“No woman should be denied these choices. Yet we see, one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, how crises can exacerbate existing barriers that hinder the ability of women to exercise bodily autonomy: sexual and reproductive health,” he added.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Sifawa, said 8th March every year was set aside by United Nations to celebrate Women’s day considering their contribution to society.
Sifawa who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs Kulu Nuhu, said the day will pave way for women to review achievement of previous year and challenges to profer way forward for sustainable development of societies.
She explained that women were faced by numerous crises by the year 2020 especially gender based violence, sexual violence during COVID-19 lockdown, but were able to overcome.
The Commissioner added that State government in collaboration
Also in his remarks, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar, described the Commemoration as timely.
He called on government and parents to always introduce meaningful policies and Programmes that will promote development in the country.
He added that due to lack of education many women suffers different set back, but urged relevant stakeholders to assist on promoting quality education especially among women.
The District Head discouraged early marriage among girls and advice parents to create more avenue for girl child to access education.
The theme of 2021 Commemoration was: Women in Leadership: Achieving on Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.
