2024 IWD: NHRC calls on government to institutionalise policies to empower women 

As the world celebrates the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on government and other stakeholders to institutionalise policies and programmes that will enable women and girls to fulfill their aspirations and contribute to national development.

The call was made on the eve of the commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu.

He noted that a male dominated world has left us with gaps in the overall development index, saying that with the benefit of hindsight we can appreciate the unimaginable impacts made by women both in Nigeria and elsewhere once the opportunity comes their way.

Ojukwu stated that the theme of 2024 celebration of IWD, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, is apt as it further buttresses the fact that committing resources to train and empower women does not only equip them to support their families but it also has the potential to position them to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

According to him, we are witnesses to the giant strides being made by women in the few societies where they are recognized as formidable agents of positive change, and indeed a good number of women have proven that they are good managers of resources and materials whenever they are entrusted with positions of authority.

He however regretted that in spite of increased awareness and sensitization on the issue of gender equality and gender inclusiveness, the society still discriminates against women, blaming culture as the root cause of this anomaly, forgetting that such excuses are no longer tenable nowadays.

The NHRC’s Chief Executive Officer decried the near absence of women in key positions like President, State Governors, Senators, captains of industries and Heads of Multinational Oil and Gas Cooperations, saying that discrimination in these areas have continued over the years despite the facts that there are several eminently qualified women to take such positions.

He said: “Women undeniably remain the beacon of hope,  the torchbearers of the future and with the increasing advocacy for women support  and affirmative action, they will surely change the narratives”.

Besides, he stated that Countries governed by women both in Africa and Europe have really experienced a huge change, thereby making the world a better and greater place for everyone to happily live in”,  he said.

The Executive Secretary used the opportunity of the observance of this year’s IWD to call on the Federal Lawmakers to consider passing the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, hoping that it will reduce gender-based violations and legally equip women to challenge the inequalities besetting them, which has further been exacerbated by the rising wave of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in various towns and communities in the Country.

The International Women’s Day is marked on 8th March annually.

[3/7, 18:58] Mike Olugbode: UNHCR, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society Launch Ramadan Campaign to Help IDPs

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, a faith-based organisation in Nigeria, are partnering this Ramadan to collect Zakat and Sadaqah contributions to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah. Imam Fuad Adeyemi, on Thursday said in Abuja that: “We are pleased to partner with UNHCR to support people forced to flee their homes because of violence and conflict. Our fellow displaced brothers and sisters represent some of the most vulnerable among us. Each contribution of Sadaqah or Zakat, no matter how much or how little, will greatly support IDPs in need with the resources and tools to rebuild their lives,”

The conflict and violence with farmer-herder clashes, and violence inflicted by non-state armed groups has caused mass displacement of Nigerians within the country. As a result, the number of people internally displaced has risen to over 3.4 million, according to recent figures. Most of the IDPs are residing across northeast, northwest, and northcentral regions of the country.

Imam Adeyemi said: “While UNHCR has been at the forefront of this IDP crisis, the increasing number of displaced persons in Nigeria has exacerbated resources. This Ramadan Campaign celebrates the spirit of faith-based philanthropy, particularly the strength and commitment of Nigeria’s Muslim community. Charity begins at home, and this Ramadan, we hope that the kindness of Nigerian Muslim community can extend to support their very own.”

He noted that funds raised from the campaign will support IDPs with livelihood kits that include farming equipment, small business resources, and trade skills and learning.

He advised that to learn more about the campaign, Nigerians should visit: Support Nigerian Families: Your Zakat Creates Livelihoods/ LaunchGood.

Al-Habibiyyah is a faith-based organisation in Nigeria whose mandate includes the propagation of Islam in Nigeria and beyond, Islamic & secular education, inter-religious dialogue, provision of social services such as health care, education & welfare assistance to people in need as well as the advancement of Islamic culture in all facets of human activities.

Al-Habibiyyah collaborates with fellow Muslims, Islamic organisations, and other refutable impact-making organizations whose vision & mandate matches theirs to deliver interventions that promote the well-being of the people and human dignity.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.

Since its formation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1951, UNHCR has helped millions of forcibly displaced people restart their lives and has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice.

In line with its global mandate, UNHCR in Nigeria works to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers, refugee returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and stateless men, women and children.