The TUC FCT Women Commission has emphasised the need to promote gender equality and increase the financial inclusion of women in Nigeria, to break the barriers holding women back in governance.
The National Chairperson, TUC Women Commission, Hafsat Shuaibu supported by other speakers, made the call at the maiden edition of the TUC FCT Women Commission Annual Summit organised in Abuja.
The theme of this year is: “Breaking Frontiers; A Transformational TUC FCT Women Commission.”
According to her, the need for women to listen, learn and be educated on how to break barriers placed by gender inequality is very paramount.
Shuaibu said; “We are all campaigning; we are all condemning discrimination against women particularly in the world of work. This summit is put together for women to come together to talk to themselves, to learn, unlearn; learn new things and go back as new people. That yes, we can break the silence. There is nothing stopping us and there is so much out there for us to harness. Also, this is to appeal to the men, to create a safe space for us. This will bring gender equity and gender equality.”
The TUC President General, Festus Osifo who was represented by the TUC FCT Council Chairperson, Dr. Audu Akogwu, said the theme of the summit is relevant to the transformation, emerging technologies and evolving opportunities for women to break barriers in different facets of life.
He further called on stakeholders to create more equitable opportunities for women that will help ensure that their voices are heard.
“In order to thrive in this changing world, women need to be able to break down barriers and reach their full potential. This is where the TUC FCT Women Commission comes in. The Commission is working to create a more equitable and inclusive FCT, where all women have the opportunity to succeed,” Osifo said.
Giving the keynote address, the President, Association of Senior Civil Servants, Dr. Etim Okon acknowledged the transformative efforts of women and made his pitch on three Es (Energy, Environment and Economy).
He further explained that women needed ‘energy’ which are skills and value which makes them indispensable.
On ‘environment, Okon stated that the society respects women who study and understand their environment, principles and the powers of enthronement, adding that any woman equipped with energy and principles of the environment, can also conquer the world of ‘economy’.
Speaking to journalist at the event, the TUC FCT WC chairperson, Comrade Sandra Obgonna reiterated the importance of women tolerating women and the need for women to be educated and technologically oriented.
According to her, “A lot of women have developed emotions that hinder them and give them limitations. For me, I call it an illusion…Today it is not about their illusions or imaginations. It is about the positive thoughts that they can have in their hearts that can be made manifest as an output, so that the world and society will see the potentials they have in them.”
Speaking on Gender Based Violence, Ogbonna encouraged women to speak out and stand against any form of oppression and limitation.
Also giving her remark, the National Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) Women Commission, Ada Mbanaso told the media that the unions have been creating initiatives such as skill acquisitions, financial literacy training and other policies to women in urban and especially rural areas, to empower them.
She however said despite taking significant steps, more still needed to be done to invest in the future of women.
Other highlights of the summit were lectures presented by the National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools, Federal Ministry of Finance, Hajia Halima Ibrahim, titled Education and Government Policies for Women in the Workplace; pep talk titled The Unapologetic Woman by Mrs Lucy O’ora-Nwajideobi and panels of discussions on Experiences of Women in the Line of Influence and Self Development.
The TUC FCT Annual Summit aims to leave a renewed commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive FCT for all women.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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