Union calls for global action to address gender inequality

The Shop and Distributive Trade Senior Staff Association (SHOPDIS) has called for global action to address gender equality gaps.

It stated action was needed urgently, especially in Africa as it was falling short of achieving gender equality.

Speaking at a training on women’s equality, organised by the union with the support of UNI Global, in Lagos, the Coordinator of Commerce, Finance, Gaming and Youth, UNI Global, Lebogang Keabetswe, called for greater gender equality and empowerment of women across all sectors of society.

She said investing in women was investing in every fabric of society, saying that no nation could thrive if women were left behind. Keabetswe emphasised UNI Global’s dedication to bolstering women’s resilience and professional development.

These, she said, included evidence-based advocacy, economic empowerment, capacity-building programmes, policy advisory support, and technical assistance to government and relevant stakeholders to advance gender justice and women’s empowerment.

She explained that the collaboration with SHOPDIS and other unions would focus on promoting gender equality, protecting the girl child, and also promoting the development, well-being, and health of the youth, considering the limitations they face.

The National President of SHOPDIS, Azeez Ajibola, said Nigeria was still far behind on the issue of gender equality.

He highlighted gender inequality as a critical barrier to Nigeria’s advancement.

Ajibola argued that the under-representation of women, who make up almost half of Nigeria’s population, in political, economic, and social arenas has been detrimental to the nation’s development.

He said: “Integrating women into the political and economic mainstream is essential for the country’s long-term development. The continued marginalisation of almost half of the population is a disservice to the nation. It’s time we bring this substantial segment into the fold of national life.”

The acting General Secretary of the union, Olanrewaju Ganiy, said it was high time women took their rightful position in trade unionism.

Also, the union’s first Deputy President, Clifford Obanor, stressed that women are coming up to take up their rightful position in society.

He said any woman who is seen as capable should be allowed to lead.

“Look at the case of Okonji Iweala. She is a very good example. When they realized that she could turn things around, they gave her another opportunity. That is the way it should be,” he said.

He emphasised that her equality should also be addressed through legislative means.

“The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill serves as a legislative vehicle to drive the agenda for a more inclusive society. Gender inequality is a major hindrance to our progress, affecting not only democracy but also our socioeconomic growth, which should be the ultimate goal of any democratic system,” he said.