The Standup for Women Society (SWS) has joined women globally to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’.
The International President, Barr. Deborah Ijadele-Adetona in a press statement made public by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Lib. Billie Nwogu stated that in a world where many women are faced with crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts, war, and insurgency, women are at the receiving end, resulting in many married women becoming widows, starving, out-of-school girl children, orphans, and poor economy with a higher rate of gender violence and inequality, leaders must come together to put a stop to these menace in society.
According to the United Nations, if the current trends continue, more than 342 million women and girls could be living in extreme poverty by 2030. To ensure women’s needs and priorities are considered, governments must prioritize gender-responsive financing and increase public spending on essential services and social protection.
Barr. Ijadele-Adetona, therefore, commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ahmed Tinubu for tackling the hardship situation orchestrated by the PMS subsidy removal and encouraged him to do more especially for women who suffer the consequences the most.
Barrister Deborah also commended the president for providing the platforms for women to strive politically due to many women his administration appointed into sensitive posts.
The SWS International President who celebrated womanhood, called on the leaders at all levels, parents including religious leaders to see women as God’s gift to the world, and that need to be encouraged at all steps to add value to society.
Going by this year’s theme, Invest in Women and Accelerate Progress, the SWS advocates for more attention to be given to women, in terms of free education, medical care, elective positions, and appointments across the 36 States of Nigeria including the FCT.
Barr. Deborah said if more attention is given to women, it will translate to the discovery of more qualified women who would join men to build a more prosperous and innovation-driven country, creating a world of boundless opportunity and empowerment for all.
“We can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world With continuous investment in women, assurance for reduction of poverty and unemployment rate, insurgency and vulnerable would be achieved,” she added.
“Investing in women and championing gender equality translates to a future where everyone in society can thrive, creating a world of boundless opportunity empowerment for all and increasing the economic GDP.”
