International Women’s Day Event Recap
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, a significant event was hosted under the auspices of the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs. This event brought together influential figures, experts, and advocates to delve into crucial discussions surrounding women’s empowerment, gender equality, and avenues for progress in Nigeria.
The event opened with a powerful quote from Brigham Young, setting the tone for the day’s discourse: “When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a generation.” This sentiment underscored the vital role of education in empowering women and transforming communities.
Throughout the plenary sessions and panel discussions, various themes emerged, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by women in Nigeria.
Education as a Cornerstone of Empowerment
Mrs. Neya Kalu eloquently articulated the pivotal role of education in uplifting women, emphasizing its potential to catalyze economic, social, and political empowerment. She stressed the need for comprehensive educational inclusion, advocating for the normalization of girls’ education in every household.
Healthcare Access and Poverty Alleviation
Ms. Hyeladzira Mshelia representing Hamzat Lawal of Connected Development (CODE), underscored the importance of accessible healthcare services in eradicating poverty among women. Highlighting the disparities in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, she called for concerted efforts to enhance infrastructure and ensure the provision of essential services like primary healthcare and education.
Financial Inclusion and Gender-Responsive Financing
Panel discussions delved into innovative approaches for integrating gender considerations into financial policies. Representatives from organizations like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Bank of Industry (BOI) outlined initiatives aimed at providing tailored financial solutions for women entrepreneurs and facilitating access to loans and grants.
Challenges and Opportunities
Throughout the event, participants candidly addressed challenges such as gender-based violence, cultural barriers, and economic disparities. However, they also highlighted opportunities for progress, including the mobilization of grassroots initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and policy advocacy.
Addressing Women’s Health Issues
Media personality Stephanie Coker Aderinokun brought attention to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) through her documentary, “Where the Heck is My Period?” She educated the audience on the prevalence of PCOS, affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a spectrum of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, potential type 2 diabetes, and challenges with fertility. Importantly, she highlighted that PCOS can also impact young girls who are yet to reach their teenage years. Her work contributes significantly to the ongoing conversation about women’s reproductive health issues.
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
The event concluded with a call to action from Ms. Yetunde Adeniji, emphasizing the importance of women supporting each other and uniting to address common challenges. Participants were urged to harness their collective voice and advocate for policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
In summary, the International Women’s Day event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and reflection on the progress and persistent challenges facing women in Nigeria. As we celebrate women’s achievements, let us also recommit ourselves to advancing gender equality and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
