By Ebunoluwa Sessou

In commemoration of 2023 International Women’s Day, IWD, the First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu alongside Women in Business, Management, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, NWTF and civil society organizations have joined the rest of the world to call for gender equality and equity in all spheres.

Marked annually on the 8th of March, IWD is a global event that recognizes and celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

This year’s theme, #EmbraceEquity is aimed at getting the world talking about why equal opportunities are no longer enough, while United Nations’ theme ” DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” seeks to explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities.

It’s important not to forget the barriers that hinder the progress – Anyanwu-Akeredolu

For Anyanwu Akeredolu, while celebrating the achievements and contributions of women and girls from around the world, it is important not to forget the barriers that hinder progress.

“Hence, I would not relent on our call for gender equity and equality in all spheres, we would continue to challenge the stereotypes and seek out inclusion.

“#EmbraceEquity is a call for gender equity in all spheres, while the UN theme is particularly focused on equity in tech and innovation.

“The goal is to address what is still a huge gap in gender equity. The term “equity” refers to fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality: Equality means providing the same to all, whereas equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge the gaps and allocate resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome,” she said.

 “Digital technologies are rapidly transforming all spheres of life, including our economic, social and political systems, creating new and unprecedented opportunities to improve the lives of women and girls around the world. We must not be left behind,” she said.

Women have supported growth of the world —NWTF

Also, Chief Executive Officer at Nigerian Women Trust Fund, NWTF, Mufuliat Fiajbi, said, “Women should celebrate because they are great managers and have supported the growth of the world.

“They should continue to push till their efforts are acknowledged and rewarded.”

It encourages us to embrace and promote fairness — WIMBIZ

In her contribution, Executive Director, Women in Business, Management, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), WMBIZ, Hansatu Adegbite, said, the organization is glad to participate in the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

“The theme encourages us to actively and intentionally embrace and promote fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or other personal characteristics.

“At such a critical time in our nation’s political transition, WIMBIZ identifies that equity has become more critical than ever for sustainable development.

“Technology can help make it faster for all of us. Let’s Embrace Equity Together!”

Women need to establish new footprints – APWEN

Former President of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria APWEN, Engr. Felicia Agubata, FNSE, reiterates that celebrating the day is to acknowledge the strides and milestones across many areas of activity, interest or expertise.

“We need to celebrate in order to inspire, encourage and motivate the women folk to make more sacrificial efforts towards establishing new footprints and indeed advancing human civilization. 

“Suffice it to say that in celebrating, we share the joy of sustained ascendency and new wins in all spheres – technology, politics, economy, education, and gender issues among others.

“When women celebrate, humanity as a whole celebrates.”