ADDRESS BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEC ENUGU ON THE “2022 THEME OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY “GENDER EQUALITY TODAY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW” “BREAK THE BIAS”
ADDRESS BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEC ENUGU ON THE “2022 THEME OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
“GENDER EQUALITY TODAY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW”
“BREAK THE BIAS”
We are happy to join all workers and promoters of women empowerment all over the world to commemorate this year’s International Women’s day. We sincerely stand by the promoters of this year’s theme of; Gender equality today for sustainable development tomorrow.
DEC Enugu Women’s Right and Empowerment programe has been on this track for more than 35years in South East Nigeria and will continue to promote this agenda until an inclusive society where women and men are recognized and participate actively in decision making; starting from our communities, Local Government Level until the national level.
DEC Enugu is also happy to acknowledge the cooperation’s of Traditional rulers and other Custodians of tradition and culture in more than 30 partner communities’ working with DEC Enugu. These communities have recognized and instituted women in their community governance structures especially in the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Town Development Union, Local Neighborhood Watch Groups, where some occupy the posts of Treasurers, Financial Secretary and Vice P.Gs
The fact remains that without a policy statement on this issue of Gender Parity and Empowerment in the Agenda or programmes of the government, non-governmental political party or faith-based organisation. It will still be an illusion to attain Gender equality for sustainable development, today or in the near future.
In DEC Enugu for example it is the major policy of this Non-governmental organisation, that for DEC to partner with your community in the 4 major areas of her Intervention/Programs
A. Women’s Right Education and Empowerment
B. Promotion of Greater Access to Quality Health Care Services in these communities
C. Skills Acquisition for unskilled female youth and scholarship to drop-out of school female youths
D. Microcredit provision to 1000 women annually for sustainable economic development annually for sustainable economic development
The community stakeholders shall adhere to this policy based on our MOU.
Finally, I call again on all political parties in Nigeria, the Governors and the Presidency to have it as a policy Statement; that a percentage of women shall be in all governance structures in Nigeria. It can be done if you have the political WILL.
In DEC Enugu we continue to implement women socio Economic Empowerment Programme in all its ramifications as a policy of DEC Enugu.
I wish all Women in Nigeria a very happy Day and DEC women in the South East and North Central Nigeria more opportunities to step-in and make positive differences in their lives and that of their communities.
God bless you all and thanks you for coming.
Dr. Cecilia U. Asogwa
Founder and Executive Director
DEC Enugu