From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Christian Aid has cried to President Bola Tinubu over gender inequality, none implementation of the Maputo protocol on women and girls.
Its Country Director, Temitope Fashola, stated this yesterday, at the Fourth Annual Transformative Gender Justice Conference in Abuja.
The theme for this year’s event is entitled: “March Forward: From Promises to Progress – Advancing the Implementation of the Maputo Protocol.”
According to Fashola, “at Christian Aid Nigeria, we firmly believe that gender justice is not an option but a necessity.
“It is fundamental to achieving sustainable development, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring equity for all. That is why, alongside our partners—the Side-By-Side (SBS) movement, Nigeria, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (SBS Secretariat), Action Aid Nigeria, Plan International, and the National Coalition on Ending Child Marriage—we continue to work tirelessly to challenge harmful norms, influence policies, and create an enabling environment where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive.
“While today’s conference in its ambition does not intend to exhaust the required conversations or produce a silver bullet to address Nigeria’s endless gender justice concerns, it presents an opportunity for us to take stock of the progress made in implementing the Maputo Protocol within the context of women’s rights, equality, and empowerment.
“It is our intention that it contributes to identifying some key challenges that still stand in the way of true gender equality and, most importantly, develop collaborative solutions that will help us move beyond rhetoric towards meaningful action.
“Achieving gender justice requires a collective effort. Governments, civil society, faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, development partners and the media must come together to ensure that legal instruments and policies are not just ratified or enacted but fully implemented.
“Today, as we engage in discussions, share insights, and strategize for the future, let us remain focused on our common goal: creating a society where gender justice is a reality for all.
“I am deeply grateful to the Side-by-Side movement Nigeria, and all our esteemed partners for their dedication and collaboration in making this conference possible. And to everyone present today, your commitment to this cause continues to inspire change and drive progress.”
One of the panelists and a former Country Director, ActionAid, Ene Obi, said those in authority should be deliberate in empowering women.
According to Obi, the empowerment should not be seen as a favour, but as human rights for the development of the country.