International Women’s Day 2022: Poor representation of women in politics reason for Nigeria’s under development – Oxfam
By Charly Agwam – Bauchi
Oxfam, a non-governmental organization has said that Nigeria is underdeveloped because of poor participation of women in politics and that little effort is given when it comes to fighting for the rights of women.
This was disclosed by the Oxfam-Line Project Coordinator, Samuel Lashom while speaking in an interview with newsmen during the celebration of the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD), at the Bill and Milinda Gate College of Health Technology Ningi on Tuesday.
“Nigeria is not doing enough for women. One of the setbacks that we have just witnessed was the bill that the National Assembly just kicked out, and for us, I think this is one major setback that organizations like Oxfam are worried about”, Lashom said.
He said that the international Women’s Day has heralded an opportunity to call on the attention of all the stakeholders to come back to the discussion around women equality and ensuring gender equality.
He said Oxfam has over the years has been working to ensure that the rights of women are being protected, given a voice and also included in decision-making both at the household and community levels by giving them fair chance in all fields of endeavors to develop the nation.
Also speaking, the Oxfam Gender focal person-Line Project, Zulai Abdulmalik said that the 2022 International Women’s Day is aimed at recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.
“The year 2022 is pivotal for achieving gender equality in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction, which are some of the greatest global challenges of the twenty-first century.
“Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remains beyond our reach”, she quoted UN Women as saying.
Zulai further explained that advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crises and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century.
“The issues of climate change and sustainability will continue to have severe and lasting impacts on our environment, economic and social development”, she said.
The focal person-Line Project maintained that those who are amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized experience the deepest impacts, adding that women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men.
She asserted that women constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.
Zulai pointed out that women and girls are at the same time effective and powertial leaders as well as change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation and are involved in sustainability initiatives around the world.
“Sustainability is essential for sustainable development and greater gender equality. Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remains beyond our reach.
“With the latest data, we now understand the vital link between gender, social equity and climate change and recognize that without gender equality today, a sustainable future, an equal future remains out of reach.
“Without the inclusion of half of the world’s population, it is unlikely that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realized,” she added. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-and-events/events/2022/02/international-womens-day-2022
both gender should be given equal rights, and am sure its going to bring positive effect
I just pray this is really taken seriously & nøt just one of those fists that pop up once in a while on the media to arouse talk & at the end of the day,nothing is done about it. Plus it should be taken serious globally but most importantly in Nigeria cause women are been looked at as weak vessels. There are some tasks that men have to do but still there are others that they do that women can still do. Women should be given that opportunity & voice to be something & make an effect on our nation.