The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for concerted efforts to eliminate those persistent and pre-existing social barriers to gender equality, more women’s participation in leadership and an end to practices that are inimical to the advancement of women and girls in Nigeria.
NAWOJ made the call in a statement tagged: “NAWOJ SEEKS END TO OBSTACLES ON WHEEL OF WOMEN’S PROGRESS” to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
The 2021 IWD with the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in the Covid-19 World”, focuses on celebrating the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping an equal future for themselves.
The umbrella association for practising women journalists in Nigeria in the statement signed by its National President, Ladi Bala and National Secretary, Helen Udofa, advocated for a better deal for women through the removal of all obstacles hindering women’s chances at qualitative education, political inclusion, healthcare, economic empowerment and rights to inheritance among other.
The association joined the global community to celebrate the outstanding achievements recorded by Nigerian women as government, organizations and society come together to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day.
NAWOJ particularly celebrated all Nigerian Women who have made a mark in their various fields of endeavour, either as successful traders, top-notch businesswomen, Chief Executive of different agencies, banks and other corporate Establishments, Deputy Governor’s, State Chief Judges, Secretary to State Government, Head of Civil Service, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Professors, Federal and State Legislators and Head of Media Organizations and so on.
The association also acknowledged that women’s achievements in various fields have served as an inspiration to younger women; helping them to overcome seeming challenges they may face.
The women journalists in Nigeria however observed that for 27years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and platform for action, no country has achieved gender equality; as multiple obstacles remain unchanged in law and in culture saying that women and girls continue to be undervalued as they work more and earn less.
NAWOJ further decried the multiple forms of violence against women and girls describing as unacceptable and retrogressive the recent spate of abduction of students in schools by criminal elements in northern parts of Nigeria.
The association appealed to governments at all levels to secure schools, safeguard the lives of the students and pupils for hitch-free teaching and leanings.
