International Women’s Day: NGO tasks women on peace, unity
NAN-HG-19
Peace
By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja, March 8, 2018 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation, `Child Trust Action’, has called on women to use their position in the society to promote peace and unity in the country.
The Executive Director of the Organisation, Mrs Nma Onyechere made the call in an in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja, as Nigeria commemorates the International Women’s Day.
She said that women must rise up, speak out and foster peace talks that would bring about lasting peace and reconciliations to conflicts around the world.
The executive director urged women to face challenges squarely, shun timidity and move forward, stating that it was time for them to rise above criticism and stereotypes.
According to her, it’s time for action and not for dancing, singing and clapping. Women should improve themselves to fit into today’s world.
“I feel that today’s woman should look back from where she is coming, where she is today and where she wants to be tomorrow and press towards progress.
“She must rise above criticism, stereotypes and think out of the box to move forward.
“She should also ensure that she models and mentors her children and others outside the home very well,’’ she said.
Onyechere, however, mentioned that the issues bothering today’s women were numerous from poor economic conditions that do not favour her efforts to food scarcity, terrorism and violent situations.
According to her, these violent situations lead to high incidences of gender-based violence against women.
“Other challenges are: poor healthcare, high rate of divorce and separations, high involvement of our young ones in crimes, drugs, prostitution, trafficking among others.
“Over the years, women suffer marginalisation in appointments and were less empowered but that should not deter today’s women from actualising their dreams.
“Women should be supportive of each other in their ambitions instead of pulling themselves down. Such situation is unfortunate,’’ she said.
Onyechere commiserated with the mothers of the recently abducted Dapchi schoolgirls and other mothers, who have lost their dear ones in violence, and prayed God to comfort them and give them the grace to overcome.
She called on government at all levels to do more to ensure security for women and girls in the country, and boost female inclusion in government. (NAN)
KTE/OIF/AFA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Felix Ajide