The Director-General of a support group known as Sanwo-Olu Ambassadors, Alhaja Tai Elemesho-Okesanjo has joined other prominent women in the world to commemorate the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day, even as she urged Nigerian women in authority to rise, champion and protect the rights and privileges of women in the society.
This year’s edition came with the theme ‘Inspire inclusion’.
According to Alhaja Tai, Nigeria as a member of the United Nations signed and ratified the various relevant international instruments, treaties and conventions without reservation. She added that these instruments have always emphasized that member nations put in place all the necessary mechanisms needed to eliminate gender discriminations, ensure equality and human dignity especially to the women.
She also commended the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their patriotic and firm stand in protecting and strengthening the rights and privileges of women in the country through provisions of different platforms by which their voices could be heard.
Elemesho-Okesanjo whose group, Sanwo-Olu Ambassadors was amongst the first group that started Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu Campaign right ahead any other support groups in Lagos.
In a statement she made available to newsmen late Thursday night, she said:
“Today we mark International Women’s Day 2024 and recognise the power, as well as the unrealised potential, of the world’s almost 4 billion women.
The theme of this year’s IWD is ‘Inspire inclusion’, to highlight the effort that each of us can make as individuals to promote gender equality and be of value to the larger society without any limitation.
“It is my appeal to all Nigerians today to both celebrate the role of women and to reflect on the challenges that we as a society still face in ensuring that all women are able to fulfil their potential.
“We should as well recognise that considerable progress has been made towards gender equality in Nigeria, through the renewed hope interventions of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which is also being replicated by our amiable Governor in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. While we acknowledge that there is more to do, we must equally applaud them for the good foundation they are laying that will take us to where we ought to be.
“We must consistently maintain our resolve to correct the gender gaps and change the narrative of women’s low participation in the workforce, governance as well as other leadership positions.
“The reality is that when women and girls feel safe and valued, they are free to pursue their potential. They’re free to participate fully in civic and social and economic life. That is good for the whole nation.
Alhaja Tai further stated that, “it is obvious that women rights need to be brought to par with that of men to ensure equality and justice.”
She also noted that it is only strong feminist movements that can create thriving democracy and a catalyst of positive change for the good of all.
“Internationally, Nigeria should continue to promote equality for women in our region and beyond. At different fora, I have the unique advantage of being able to speak about the intrinsic role of women in diplomacy, in peace and security, and to use women’s empowerment as way to strengthen relationships, build the nation and give hope to the future through proper upbringing of the children” She added.