No one should see the call for gender equality as a move to challenge men for positions, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, has solicited.
Eyong made the appeal on Monday while delivering her address at the UN Women Nigeria Media Partners’ Conference 2023 in Abuja.
She noted that the call for gender equality by women was to allow for equal opportunities for all genders to excel.
Eyong said: “We are not talking about women taking over men’s position but to provide equal opportunities to women just as men, removing the inequalities that block people from progressing.”
She noted that the theme of the conference “Escalating Media Action for Women’s Empowerment and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls”, called for the media to help end gender-based violence, women empowerment and equality.
She said: “The work we do is changing behaviour and we know the media can help us. We want to bring women’s issues to the front burner,” lamenting that gender inequality had stopped Nigeria from achieving the MDGs and SDGs.
She emphasised that achieving 35 percent affirmative action is important to bring about development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Programme, the Enechi Ekuma IV Okposi Kingdom in Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, HRM Eze (Dr) Onyie Cosmas Agwu assured the Conference of the backing of the traditional institution in Nigeria.
The traditional ruler while claiming that he has the backing of his colleagues across Africa, said traditional institution supports all efforts to empower women, bring them out of poverty and fight against gender-based violence.
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