It is unfortunate that, despite the important role that women play in society and their achievemes, many of them still face several barriers in accessing some socio-economic benefits and exercising basic fundamental human rights.
In Nigeria, for example, females are still under-represented in leadership positions and have limited access to equal education, a problem that has been largely attributed to widespread gender discrimination and a lack of financial resources.
This setback has restricted their chances to compete with their male counterparts and also prevented many of them from reaching their full potential.
According to Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta, women in the northeastern region of the country are often left behind due to deeply rooted societal norms, cultural beliefs, and systemic exclusion.
Fakuta, who is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF), said that this rat race must end if accelerated action is to be achieved.
“However, we must not allow these challenges to define our future,” she stated, in a circular that EnviroNews obtained from her organisation,
Her strong determination to overcome these boundaries and fulfil her aspirations, like any other man’s, inspired her to establish SELF, a non-profit organisation she uses to promote gender equality, empower women, and build a society in which every girl and woman has an equal chance of success.
The politician and social rights advocate believes that an educated and empowered woman helps not only herself, but also her family, society, and the nation, as they play key roles in driving growth.
Taking into account her comments and relating them to this year’s celebration’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” it is important to go beyond simple conversations and start implementing audacious, tangible steps that will lead to real-world change.
She took advantage of this beautiful event to honour all of the hard-working, exceptional women who continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and make a difference in their respective fields of endeavour.
“To the women who wake up every day to fight for their dreams, to those who support and empower others, and to the women making sacrifices for their families and communities – we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you,” Fakuta stated.
The campaigner hopes that this year’s anniversary will inspire governments, lawmakers, NGOs, and individuals to take action in all areas impacting women’s lives.
Truth be told, this would mean that gender equality should not be a distant dream – it should be a present reality, which is why the founder of SELF is vehemently appealing that “we must work together to create a world where women are not just included but are empowered to lead and succeed.”
This would mean stepping up efforts in the areas of leadership to remove obstacles preventing women from sitting at the table, education to guarantee that all girls have access to high-quality education, and governance to guarantee that policies reflect genuine gender inclusion and create an atmosphere where women can thrive.
Similarly, Gloria Kasang Bulus, Executive Director, Bridge That Gap Initiative, emphasised that on the International Women’s Day, the world has come together to celebrate the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” highlighting the essential roles that women and girls play in promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change.
“As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, the rights and empowerment of women and girls are more crucial than ever. Climate change does not affect everyone equally; it disproportionately impacts women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities. This inequity underscores the urgent need for their voices and leadership in climate action,” she disclosed in a statement made available to EnviroNews.
She listed the intersection of gender and climate action to include:
- Empowerment through Education: Educating girls about environmental issues equips them with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in sustainability. When girls are empowered with education, they can drive change in their communities and advocate for their rights.
- Equal Participation in Decision-Making: Women bring unique perspectives to environmental challenges. Ensuring their equal participation in decision-making processes leads to more effective and sustainable solutions. We must create spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued.
- Rights as a Foundation for Action: Protecting the rights of women and girls is fundamental to achieving environmental goals. When women have access to resources, land, and opportunities, they can implement sustainable practices and contribute to climate resilience.
On the International Women’s Day, Bulus urged governments, organizations, and communities to:
- Promote Gender Equality: Implement policies and programs that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women and girls, particularly in environmental sectors.
- Support Women’s Leadership: Foster leadership programmes that empower women and girls to take active roles in climate action and decision-making.
- Raise Awareness: Continue to create awareness campaigns that highlight the critical intersection of gender and climate issues, and showcase the contributions of women and girls in environmental stewardship.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us commit to advancing the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls. Together, we can build a more sustainable future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” she stated.
By Racheal Fatima Okolo, Abuja