FIDA canvass for laws promoting female inclusion

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) have emphasised the need for policy reforms and laws promoting gender inclusion and equity in order to achieve national and economic growth.

Executive Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, said such conversations are important because data has shown that societies that prioritise gender equality and inclusion do better financially and other wise.
This was said at FIDA Lagos 2024 Law Week, themed, Advancing Gender Equality and Economic Growth Through Inclusive Policy Reforms held in Lagos.

She stated that currently, there are no sufficient firm policies on gender equality, but a lot around affirmative action, so a lot of work needs to be done within the legal framework to ensure that oppression of women, which has become endemic in our culture is changed through regulation and laws.

She highlighted that polices that close gender and pay gap in workspace at all levels must be amplified and implemented.

She urged women to be persistent, insistent, leverage their strength and put themselves out there regardless of situations.

“These economies thrive better when women have equal opportunities and are given the right platform to leverage them,” she added.

Gray said that a truly progressive society is one which gender parity, equality and inclusion is at an all time high, adding that when more laws are adopted in this regard, the work force is positively associated with better outcomes.

According to her, World Economic Forum has predicted that the global gender gap in labour market participations, if closed by 25 percent in 2025, could add up to $5.3 trillion to Global GDP.

While stating that it requires shared responsibility to achieve needed results, she also charged the government to create policies for these conditions to be achieved, while applauding Lagos State for championing such a cause by including paternity leave.

Chairperson, FIDA Lagos, Mrs Chinwe Efobi, said the theme is to propel gender inclusion and how policy reforms can help to ensure sustainable communities.

She noted that FIDA is interested in women and men having inclusive communities, as such conditions help for economic growth and development.

“The timing of this theme reflects the urgent discussion we need to have and the innovative solutions we must explore. This discussion will focus on the importance of gender equality and its effect on sustainable development and how policy reforms can help to build a just society devoid of discrimination irrespective of sex, physical challenges and status,” she added.

Chairperson, 2024 FIDA Law Week Planning Committee, Omono Omaghomi, explained that such conferences celebrates their commitment to justice but also challenges them to engage with pressing issues facing the society.

She emphasised the need to create a level playing field for everyone, while stating that women must show competence beyond agitating for specific positions.

“As we stand at the intersection of gender equality and economic development, we recognise that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without addressing the systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in the economy. Policies that promote inclusivity are essential not only for the empowerment of women but also for the overall prosperity of our communities,” she added.