As countries all over the World celebrate year 2020 International Women’s Day every March 8 of each year, Oyo State government has charged women to drive actions that would promote gender equality the world deserved through collective and individual attitudinal change.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni gave this charge in her message to celebrate the 2020 Women’s Day with the theme “I Am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Right.”
She said the theme aligned with United Nation’s women’s new multi generational campaign which marks the 25th anniversary of Beijing Declaration and platform for action, known to be the most progressive roadmap for women and girls empowerment everywhere in the world.
She explained further that International Women’s Day was a global day, celebrating the social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women, calling for actions for accelerating gender equality in all ramifications.
“This year campaign theme is based on collective individualism where we can change and create gender equality which is essential for our economies, politics and communities to thrive and be a better place to live.
“We can achieve gender equality through women empowerment and girl child education among others by ensuring women full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life because education is the bedrock of development of any nation and is crucial to the growth of a state just as Oyo state prioritized access to free and quality education.
“Also, we are taking steps to empower women, fight for their rights and their equal access to economic resources, address all forms of violence and abuse against women and children and as well promote them as key agents for change and drivers of sustainable development,” she explained.
Alhaja Sanni urged women to be submissive, supportive and not compete with men but pursue their goals positively for desired changes.
She called on all stakeholders to rededicate and reposition themselves in improving quality of life for women and girl child with much respect and dignity
