Group advocates gender equality, women’s empowerment

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

An NGO, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) has urged the government and key stakeholders to eliminate inequality and promote gender rights and equal opportunities for women and girls.

Founder and Executive Director of WISE, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, made this appeal yesterday as part of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Kaduna.

She stated that this year’s IWD theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Right. Equality. Empowerment’, aligns with the organization’s vision of a just and fair society.

“It’s about recognizing that we don’t all start from the same place. Some of us face structural barriers that prevent us from reaching our full potential.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to continuing their legacy,” she said.

She urged women to confront the harsh realities they face, including gender-based violence, climate impacts, and systemic inequalities in institutions and society.

Olugboji-Daramola commended the government and NGOs for increasing women’s participation in politics and advancing girls’ education.

She stressed the need for women to commit to collective action, advocacy, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship to achieve empowerment and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, participants expressed optimism about the future, saying WISE was on track to uplift women and improve their lives.

Bakiyya Abubakar, representing the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Hussaina Abbas-Tajuddeen, reiterated her commitment to supporting women’s empowerment.