By Henry Uche
International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has kicked off its annual week-long event in Lagos State, with a call to action for gender inclusiveness and economic growth through policy reforms.
The state branch Chairperson, Chinwe Efobi, who made the call emphasised the need to challenge cultural norms that restrict women’s potential. “We have cultural norms impeding women from thriving. They believe that women are meant to be in kitchen and not to be seen. So we want to encourage women to take over roles that they have always avoided, and inculcate confidence in them with this program. And after this program, we will still take it further to the grassroots to educate them,” she said.
Efobi explained that the group has impacted significantly on gender issues and domestic violence, pointing out that, “In FIDA, we have touched lives in no small measures. We call on government to make polices that will favour women, then States with policies on women and maternity leave should enforce it,”
Keynote speaker, Ejiro Gray stressed that gender equality is crucial for economic prosperity, citing data showing societies that prioritises women’s empowerment experience witness better financial outcomes.
“It’s extremely important because data has shown that societies that prioritise gender equality and empowerment of women financially, their economy strives better particularly when women have equal opportunities and are given the right platform to leverage on emerging opportunities,” he said.
Gray, who is the Executive Director, Governance & Sustainability at Sahara Group, stated that there is need to accelerate such conversation in Nigeria and take it seriously. He said: “Currently we don’t have a lot of policies for gender equality and one that encourage gender equality.
“There is need to strengthen legal framework and regulatory environment to ensure that what has become endemic in our culture, oppression on women is changed and transformed through regulations, laws and the to promote gender equality, empowerment of women with the understanding that there is a greater goal to ensure that this economy prospers and one of the sure and proven ways to do this is by empowering women,” she said.
He urged the government to ensure they close the gender gap in work places and encourage women to ensure that they don’t lose out, rather they’re supported to advance their career without sacrificing their professional lives for their home front and later in life regret.
While calling on women to be persistent and resilient, she said, “situation mustn’t be perfect for you to put yourself forward, but it’s important that you recognise that you are unique so you can leverage your strength to make a difference,”
Chairperson & host of the event, Omono Blessing Omaghomi, highlighted the theme, ‘Advancing Gender Equality and Economic Growth Through Inclusive Policy Reforms,’ saying “Because as FIDAs we are not only concerned about improving women, it is classified as gender equality, we want both men and women to have an inclusive community because social inclusion helps in economic growth and development. We must be able to create a level playing field not just for women but for everybody and women must show competence,” she said.