Stakeholders drawn from different sectors, have again, urged that women’s health and wealth should be placed on the front burner, in order for maximum impact to be realised towards successful nation building and creating a more equitable world.
Speaking at Vanguard’s International Women’s Day fifth round table event, themed “360 degrees: Health, Wealth, and Impact,” which held in Lagos recently, the Lagos State commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the theme aligns with the United Nations’ rallying cry, “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” She added that it reminds us of the critical journey ahead in our quest for gender parity and empowerment.
“In a world where the United Nations predicts that it will take centuries (300 years) to end child marriage, close legal protection gaps, achieve gender parity in leadership roles, and attain equal representation in national parliaments, we are called to action. The challenges ahead are daunting, but they are not insurmountable,” she urged.
She said women’s empowerment is not just a moral or ethical imperative but a fundamental cornerstone to our societal development, as when women are given the tools to succeed, they do not only elevate themselves and their families, but also their communities, and by extension, the nation at large.
She regretted that women’s health issues often go underreported, underfunded, and misunderstood, adding that a holistic approach that includes mental, emotional, and physical well-being of women must be adopted.
President of the Nigerian Society Of Engineers(NSE), Margaret Aina Oguntala, praised the multifaceted nature of women’s roles in society,which she said encompassestheir influence on health, wealth and impact. Adding that empowering women strengthens economies and societies as a whole, she said it is imperative to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders.
Featuring three packed panels, the first panel fielded Dr Moris Atoki, Mosunmola Dosunmu, Tola Ajayi and Aderonke Oyelakin, where they discussed what it really means to champion women’s health. They urged the government to pay better attention to women’s health issues as they suffer more due to reproductive activities.
The second panel dealt with breaking the barrier via true financial inclusion and had financial expert, Bimpe Benson on it. Benson pointed out that women feel shy talking about financial matters and said they must develop boldness in order to take charge of not just their finances but achieve financial freedom.
Other speakers at the third panel included Titi Olopade, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, Anike Ade Funke Treasure and Dr Ify, all of who shared from their fountain of knowledge. They urged the attendees to take the lessons imparted beyond women’s month and employ it in every facet of their lives.
