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Group seeks policies to drive women empowerment

By Gloria Nwafor
15 October 2020   |   3:00 am
The Outstanding Women in Africa Awards has urged the Federal Government to formulate and implement policies that would empower women in the country, noting that women have been relegated despite their vital role in economic development.   The President, Outstanding Women in Africa Awards, Mrs. Success Abu-Idris, at 2020 Outstanding Women in Africa Awards and…

The Outstanding Women in Africa Awards has urged the Federal Government to formulate and implement policies that would empower women in the country, noting that women have been relegated despite their vital role in economic development.
 
The President, Outstanding Women in Africa Awards, Mrs. Success Abu-Idris, at 2020 Outstanding Women in Africa Awards and unveiling of Sail women magazine, called for favourable policies aimed at bringing out potentials in women, stressing that in other climes, women are given opportunities to be part of the decision making process.

 
“Policies should be put in place to give women more opportunities to bring out their potentials for the good of the society. Women are still faced with the challenge of gathering funds for their businesses or expand their businesses, although some banks are trying to help women to do more, more is needed to support women in businesses,” she said.
 
She added: “We are celebrating women who are doing well in their chosen career. We do this to encourage who do not believe in themselves or who actually believe in themselves but do not know how to go about it. So the event is to help them believe in themselves where they come in contact with women that have achieved. Women have been relegated and we want to give women opportunities in governance. We do not see women dominating the political scene in Nigeria and in Africa at large.”
 
The Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Adenike Shobajo, pointed out the need to support women, especially the ones doing well in the society.

She tasked the federal government to ensure that policies aimed at empowering women are effectively implemented.
 
“We also have to find a way to support ourselves, because we can do so much more. I have found out that there are certain opportunities given to women that they are not benefiting from. Women do not get opportunities to access money from the banks to grow their businesses because the requirements to get loans are too stringent. The government will come out with policies, but the same government will not give women opportunities for the people that are actually meant to benefit from it,” she said.
 
The Chief Executive Officer, Arise Foundation, Mrs. Joke Akinsanya, who is also an awardee, said women are change agents because of the impact they have on society.
 
“There should be policies formulated to give women a voice in decision making. If we have about 45 per cent of women in decision-making processes, Nigeria would be better. It is a pity that in Nigeria, women are relegated to the background. They should be recognised for their efforts. We only have about 3 per cent of women in decision making and this is very sad,” she said.

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