2019 INTERNATIONAl WOMEN’S DAY: A CALL FOR ACTION
By NCWS (JOS, NIGERIA):
The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Plateau State Chapter has stressed the need to step up proactive measures to build a gender balance World.
The Chairperson NCWS, Plateau State, Felicia Bala made the call while reflecting on the 2019 International Women Days Celebration, with theme “BalanceforBetter’ align itself with the thought of a world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem who once said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
It further noted that as an organization whose aim is to provide a platform where gender issues can be harmoniously tabled before the government of the day, challenge government at various levels to create an enabling environment where there are no disparities between men and women for employment opportunities as well as economic advancement, the theme is not only apt but timely.
Consequently, as a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, it call on women in Nigeria and Plateau State, particularly, to rise up to the occasion and demonstrate their capacity and capabilities to deliver in their various fields of endeavor.
We, however, note with sadness the unfortunate fact that women are still not on the same pedestal with their male counterparts, in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than it was in the past.
Although, great improvements have been made and urges women to continue to strive for excellence and not be deter by challenges associated with the political terrain in Nigeria but to keep on supporting each other no matter the circumstances.
We equally want to use this unique occasion to commend the Plateau State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong for giving women the opportunity to serve in his administration,
The Council also calls on all especially the youths who are the future of the country to resist all forms of violence and thuggery, but to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence as no meaningful development can be achieve without peace.
While congratulating President Mohammadu Buhari on his election to serve second term the Plateau State Chapter hopes that more women and youths will be given the opportunity to serve in his cabinet and add value to the administration for the next 4 years.
Nasarawa Reporters 