The world once again, rolls out the drums, gongs and cymbals to amplify the voices of women, with a global call on all governments, cultures and societies to do all within their powers to liberate and empower women. Women across the world and in Nigeria particularly continue to contribute to the development of their communities and nations, as social assistance providers, promoters of social activism, caregivers, heads of householders providing for both the children and men who are incapacitated within the very limited and exclusionary opportunities they have.
Many cultures in Nigeria, up till this time, still consider women lesser humans to men and would not allow women speak in the council of men and are outrightly excluded in decision making matters.
While all of these are our realities, we cannot forget to applaud the doggedness of Nigerian women and women all over the world, who are excelling in STEM industries hitherto dominated by men, we applaud the resilience of women in leadership positions who continue to show that women can lead and achieve impactful results.
The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated global transition to a dominant tech world, with many jobs now being tech based and markets taking advantage of the new realities. As we recognize the enormous opportunities that the digital world has brought we must also make efforts to close the digital gap between male and female. It is evident that we have fewer women in the tech industry and to close this gap, concerted efforts must be made to ensure that more women and girls are provided mentorship opportunities, scholarships and trainings to acquire these on-demand tech skills so as not to decelerate the gains that has been recorded in lifting women out of poverty.
Therefore we re-echo and reaffirm the demands from UN Women and we “This 8 March, we are calling on governments, activists and the private sector alike to power on in their efforts to make the digital world safer, more inclusive and more equitable. Facing a multiplicity of global crises, we have a chance to create a better future—not just for women and girls, but for all humanity and all life on Earth. Join us”.
UN Women
Don’t forget to join us on radio tomorrow Kiss 99.9 FM Abuja as we host a program to commemorate the day. See flier for details
