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SWAN holds walk, seeks advancement of gender equality

By Onyinye Onobe
12 March 2022   |   2:49 am
The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), comprising female members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), in commemoration of International Women’s Day

L-R: Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) first vice chairperson, Hilda Ozoh, SWAN chairperson, Nwamara Kate Nnaji, 57th President of ICAN, represented by, ICAN Deputy Registrar Technical Services, Dr. Ijeoma Anaso and SWAN second vice chairperson Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, after a walk on the rejection of gender bills, held in Lagos.

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), comprising female members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), in commemoration of International Women’s Day, have called for the advancement of gender equality through women’s leadership.

In line with this year’s IWD theme, ‘Breaking the Bias,’ they seek positive change for women and a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

This was the thrust at a walk against NASS’s rejection of the gender bills during the constitutional amendment organised by SWAN in association with ICAN, in Ebute Meta in Lagos.

According to the 10th National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs. Nwamara Catherine Nnaji, the key mission this year is to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality, build workplaces where women thrive and elevate visibility of women’s creativity.

She also noted that there is need to improve equality for women in technology, champion women’s empowerment worldwide, celebrate the women championing change and empower women’s choices in health related issues.

Nnaji added that SWAN, over the years, have pooled efforts and resources to assist ICAN in handling matters having to do with the development of women and the girl child.

“SWAN has recruited thousands of young women into the accountancy profession, empowered hundreds of young women with requisite skills for financial independence, awarded scholarships to several indigent students, provided succor and assistance to the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the motherless children.

“We urge women to forge ahead in their various areas of professionalism and continue to break the glass ceiling,” she concluded.

Delivering her speech, the 57th ICAN President Mrs. Comfort Olu Eyitayo, described women as hardworking, committed and resilient. “I felicitate with the 14,462 female ICAN members who are championing accuracy and integrity as financial advisors, tax experts, forensic professionals and boardroom gurus.

“Over time, Nigerian women have demonstrated great candour, doggedness and unrelenting resolve to contribute to national growth and development. Gender equality is not merely desired by the female population, but a global imperative. We yearn for a world free of gender bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

While calling on the National Assembly to revisit all the gender bills recently turned down, Eyitayo noted that women desire an equal world. “We believe we can build a society characterised by peace and progress, inclusive growth and meaningful development,” she said.

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