RoSF seeks men’s participation to enhance gender equality, engage grassroots women

As part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), the Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) held a two-day programme in Lagos to commemorate the day and seek better inclusion for women as well as gender equality.

With a conference themed, ‘Engaging men and boys as advocates for gender equality in Nigeria’, this was spearheaded by the RoSF in partnership with the International Center for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) and Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI). Partner at VSI, Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, pointed out that their intention is to bring to life the theme of Accelerate Action, by engaging men and boys in the struggle for gender equality. She asked the men present to spread the message of equality as much as they can and become feminist allies in words and deeds.

Representing the ICEHD, Oluwadara Victor Adewoye noted that if we want a better community and country, we have to empower women and ensure equality in all areas.

Speaking on political inclusion for women, national NGO coordinator, RoSF, Taiwo Oloruntosin, noted that women belong in all places where decisions are being made. She said women hold less than 10 per cent of all elected positions, regretting that Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s political participation. She said this leads to a lack of representation, inefficient governance and economic consequences.

Speaking on early marriage and GBV, Ibidunni Alakija, she said early marriage exposes young girls to Intimate Partner Violence, lack of autonomy and fear of seeking justice. She listed poverty, lack of education and unemployment as causes of early marriage.

Speaking on labour force disparity, Godsgift Udoh, revealed that Sub-Saharan Africa loses $95 billion annually to gender inequality, as barely 55 per cent of women participate in the workforce compared to 80 per cent of men. He said for women, this disparity leads to limited land ownership, barriers to credit, GBV and underrepresentation.

Urging boys and men to act, they called for policies that support gender equality, challenge discriminatory practices and support women’s leadership and economic empowerment.

During a street outreach held on day two at the Ajegunle Boundary market, country manager, RoSF, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, explained that this year’s celebration ties in with connecting with grassroots women’s perspectives on gender equality and issues around it such as education, women’s health and economic independence. “These women are striving daily to make ends meet and attain economic independence. Our partners, Xcene Research, with a team of over 40 health professionals, provided medical help for hundreds of women.”

She added that they gave talks to the women on gender equality and how it affects their everyday lives; GBV and how to recognise it and get help. “Their voices are going to amplified at the United Nation’s CSW meeting holding in New York from March 11-22. We need to talk about what grassroots women are facing at the international level and this will help to measure what has been achieved regarding gender equality and what still needs to be done.” She said in April, they would meet with grassroots community leaders across Lagos, to advocate better policies for women and promote inclusion.

Senior Medical Monitor, Xcene Research, Osas Osunde, pointed out that their partnership with the foundation has been very fruitful in supporting women’s health needs. He said they are also supporting about 10 students of the foundation with medicine and surgery scholarships at UNILAG. He pointed out that the outreach included eye checks, vital signs check, consultations and various lab tests. “Some of these women haven’t had a health check in months and this women’s month, we want to correct this. Those that need specialist referrals were referred to specialist care.

A beneficiary, Adebisi Lawal, praising the level of care and attention, expressing gratitude to the organisers for remembering them during this period.