‘Lack Of Gender Parity Cost Sub Saharan Africa $95b Annually’
Mrs. Toyin Ojora- Saraki wife of the Senate President has disclosed that United Nations estimates reflect that lack of gender parity costs Sub Saharan African(SSA) countries including Nigeria, on the average, about US$95billion a year.
She therefore advised that in order to improve livelihood of their people, SSA countries have both moral and economic responsibilities to transform respective economies through the promotion of gender equality.
Mrs. Saraki made this disclosure at the celebration of the 112th International Women’s Day organized by the Pat Utomi Widow Support Centre (WSC) in Lagos where she was the Special Guest of Honour.
She commended WSC for providing an invaluable service to families who require assistance due to tragic demise of their spouses. She specially commended WSC for organizing and implementing citizen education programmes which challenge specific cases of injustice and also promote a fair legislative agenda.
In reviewing global progress in respect of gender equality, she commended the United Nations Secretary-General for achieving 50:50 gender balance for Senior Management Group at the UN Secretariat.
At the domestic level, Mrs. Saraki commended Kwara State House of Assembly for posting the highest number of elected female legislators in Nigeria. Going forward, Mrs Saraki added that this trend should encourage more women to aspire for the highest positions in their respective endeavour. She acknowledged the support of some males who have embraced gender equality and appealed that mutual respect should guide relationships in the mission to birth gender equality in the society.
The theme of of the 2018 WSC celebration was PushForProgress: A stromg Call-to-Action to Press Forward and Progress Gender Parity. The event also featured a panel discussion on the theme Gender Disparity in Nigeria; a short film on discrimination titled FE-Male; keynote address by Dr. Amy Jadesimi, CEO Ladol Limited; Welcome address by Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder, Pat Utomi Widow Support Centre(WSC); remarks by Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin; and testimony from Mrs. Tonia Ojenagbon, survivor of rape when she was a young girl.
