NAN-HG-21
Women
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Oct 11, 2016 (NAN) A former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, has urged the Federal Government to allocate more funds for the ministry to enhance the nation’s social and economic development.
Anenih made the plea at a programme commemorating the International Day of the Girl-Child organised by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oct.11 of every year is set aside by the United Nations as the International Day of the Girl-Child.
Theme for 2016 is: “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: A Global Girl Data Movement’’.
According to her, women constitute the largest population in the country, and they are positive change agents if given the opportunities.
“Women are involved in all the key sectors of the nation’s economy like health, education, family and children.
“If they are empowered financially, they can embark on developmental projects that have direct impact on the society,’’ Anenih said.
Also, Dr Ibironke Sodeinde, a former Permanent Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board in Lagos State, urged relevant stakeholders to intensify advocacy campaign on the complications from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Sodeinde said that the best way to stop the practice was to improve the education and social status of women to discern abuse and disabuse of rights.
“There is need for joint agreement among community leaders, religious leaders, community members and other stakeholders in the implementation of FGM to justify putting a stop to the practice.
“Also, stakeholders should develop alternative income for those who take it as a vocation and engage them in vocational skills relevant to their environment to stop the practice,’’ she said.
Sodeinde said that the media have a role to play in the dissemination of information and the communication campaign that would impact on the public understanding of societal attitude.
“It is time we all stand up to the task of putting an end to the cankerworm abuse or lack of respect for human rights and gender inequality.
“We should all strive to put smiles on the faces of our girls, the future great role models, to give them hope to live,’’ Sodeinde said. (NAN)
OEO/GOK
(Edited/controlled by Olagoke Olatoye)