FG Focused On Gender Equity, Women Empowerment Policies – Shettima

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on women’s empowerment and advancing gender equity through transformative policies.

Vice President Shettima emphasized the indispensable role of women in building a balanced and equitable society.

He said this on Monday during the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation Webinar in commemoration of the 109th posthumous birthday of Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The Vice President called for renewed national efforts to create an inclusive society where women are empowered to lead and thrive, stressing that every nation’s treatment of women serves as the ultimate marker of its civilization.

“We cannot claim to have evolved as a nation unless we recommit ourselves to creating a society that offers women unconditional dignity and opportunity,” he said.

He described Mrs. Awolowo as a “matriarch like no other and a jewel of inestimable value“, noting her unwavering support for her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and her advocacy for women’s rights.

“Mrs. Awolowo’s courage and influence were instrumental in shaping policies like free education in the Western Region. This is what an empowered woman can achieve,” he stated.

He said the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 was a testament to the power of women-led advocacy.

“This landmark legislation is a testament to the power of women-led advocacy and their determination to create a safer, fairer society,” Shettima added.

“The nation we must build is one where no girl is denied the chance to learn, no woman is denied the opportunity to lead, and no mother is denied the dignity of safety and respect.

“We are working to create an environment where women are not just supported but celebrated; where their aspirations redefine societal expectations and help build a viable, equitable, and thriving nation,” he promised.

In her keynote address, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, said November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

She explained that HID Awolowo was a fighter for social justice and human rights and took every opportunity to show the power of women in economic development.

“Every chapter of her story tells us that no bird can fly on one wing. We need the leadership and representation of women. We need partnerships for change—everyone must work for systemic change that will be sustainable.

“We need to end the scourge of gender-based violence as an absolute priority, essential for growth. Societies cannot achieve the equal and just society envisioned by HID Awolowo if we leave 50 percent of the world’s population behind,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the HID Awolowo Foundation Advisory Council, Senator Daisy Danjuma, noted that in building a more viable Nigeria, the role of women should not be overlooked.

“Together, let us chart a society where the role of women is recognized, celebrated, and utilized,” she said.

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