Civil Society stakeholders in Osun State have identified gender equality as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development goals and charged policy makers and individuals to support its realisation.
This was done at a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Osogbo, the State capital, organised by Kiitan Foundation.
It was part of events commemorating the International Women’s Day celebration.
The participants said gender equality is a fundamental human right.
The State Programme Manager of Kiitan Foundation, Helen Adedokun, said the International Women’s Day was meant to celebrate the accomplishments of women and girls worldwide, and to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality.
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Adedokun noted that there is still much work to be done as women and girls continue to face many challenges such as stereotypes, gender bias, limited access to resources such as land, credit, and education, lack of political representation, and inadequate legal protection, hence the reason for this engagement forum to shine more light on ways we can inspire inclusion for women and girl child in the contemporary society.
She said the objective is to deliberate on ways to inspire inclusion for women and girls in contemporary societies and reaffirm commitment to creating a world where everyone, irrespective of gender, can realise their full potential.
The stakeholders’ engagement forum, organised by the Non Governmental Organisation, attracted participants from the State Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Human Rights Commission, secondary school students, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, Network of NGOs in Osun State and National Council of Women Society.
Adedokun expressed gratitude to participants on behalf of the founder, Ojo Abideen, and the Executive Director, Rahmat Ojo.
Speaking further, Adedokun said: “As individuals, we can inspire inclusion by being a role model for inclusion, lead by example and demonstrate to others how they can be inclusive in their own lives.
“Also, we can achieve it by establishing a culture of inclusion in our workplace or organisation.
“This may involve creating policies and practices that are inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their identity or background.
“Also, by educating others about the significance of inclusion and how to create more inclusive environments and by using our voice to advocate for inclusion and speak up when we see someone being excluded.
“As stakeholders, it is imperative that we advocate for equal access to education for all girls, including quality primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as vocational training.
“Furthermore, it is necessary to work towards gender equality in the workplace by ensuring equal remuneration for work of equal value and providing opportunities for career advancement for women.
“In addition, addressing gender-based violence and discrimination is paramount, including working towards ending violence against women and girls and ensuring that women have equal access to justice and protection from discrimination.
“We must support women’s economic empowerment by promoting policies that facilitate women’s access to resources, such as land, credit, and technology, and provide support for women entrepreneurs.
“These efforts will be instrumental in realising gender equality, which is not only a fundamental human right, but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and a thriving economy.”
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