Women’s Day 2019: NFNV Nigeria sue for gender balance, fairness for Nigerian women

The Nigeria chapter of the New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Women in Finance Network, one of the pan-African women networks under the Graca Machel Trust (GMT), which focuses on expanding the role and influence of African women in the financial sector, has on the occasion of the 2019 International Women’s Day (March 8) called for gender balance and fair treatment for women in Nigeria.

“Gender equity means equality, fairness and a balance in the treatment of women and men. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day supports balance as a specific action, which has wider implications for a better world. Through a better balance, we achieve a better outcome in all strands of life, both professional and personal,” said a press statement by NFNV Nigeria signed by its country director, Aishatu Debola Aminu.

The 2019 International Women’s Day themed: “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate Change” is focused “on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.”

“The present political climate in our country [Nigeria] calls for action, as a true reflection of the imbalance which regrettably limits the space for women’s participation in political leadership. For us, as a Pan-African women-focused organization, balance is no longer an aim but an ‘expectation’ demanding fulfillment.

“Everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere – to build a gender-balanced world. From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering a new and exciting era where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence!” the statement concluded.