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Tag: International Women’s Day

China Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment in Nigeria

By Michael Onjewu, Abuja

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reiterated China’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with Nigeria in the area of women empowerment.

Ambassador Yu made this statement on Friday during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration at the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He emphasized that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” serves as an opportunity to celebrate the significant achievements of women across political, economic, technological, and cultural domains globally.

The ambassador praised the contributions of Chinese women to economic and social progress, stating, “Chinese women have truly become the ‘half of the sky,’ making substantial contributions to national development.”

He noted that since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago, the Chinese government has prioritized gender equality and women’s empowerment, creating a comprehensive legal framework to protect women’s rights that includes over 100 laws and regulations.

“The average life expectancy of Chinese women has reached nearly 81 years, and the gender gap in education has been largely closed. Women constitute nearly 45% of the total workforce, and in the internet sector, female entrepreneurs outnumber their male counterparts, making up 55% of the total,” Yu said.

“The remarkable progress China has made in gender equality and women’s development not only reflects China’s unique approach to human rights but also significantly contributes to global equality, development, and peace,” he added.

Ambassador Yu expressed confidence that more women would benefit from high-quality cooperation between China and Nigeria under the Belt and Road Initiative, enabling them to “realize their aspirations and shape a prosperous future.”

The envoy stated that China-Nigeria relations have reached new heights following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China last year and his participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He acknowledged the vital role women from both countries play in strengthening these ties across various sectors.

“Over the years, practical cooperation between China and Nigeria has deepened in multiple fields, providing Nigerian women with enhanced medical care, agricultural skills, and increased business opportunities,” he said.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, commended Nigerian women for their exceptional achievements on the global stage.

She listed prominent figures such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, as exemplary representations of Nigerian excellence.

Represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Hon. Oraeluno Obinenye Raphael, the minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for its efforts in empowering Nigerian women through capacity-building programs and cultural exchanges. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to equipping women with the necessary tools and resources to overcome challenges and realize their full potential.

The event organized by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, also featured displays of Chinese arts, musical performances, and the presentation of gifts to attendees.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, drawing attention to critical issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women.

March 7, 2025
International Women’s Day2022: President Buhari Extols Nigerian Women

President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled Nigerian women in celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022.

The year’s celebration which is themed Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow is under the hashtag #BreaktheBias.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina, President Buhari said the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles women play in society, homes, governance, the professions, and in all walks of life.

He added that women are not where they should be yet in different spheres of endeavor, but believes that they can no longer be deprived for too long, as they consistently prove that they can hold their own on all fronts, and in all fields.

“The President rejoices with women and mothers, around whom the tranquility of homes and society revolves, praying God to grant them peace, joy and satisfaction, as they celebrate today and always,” the statement added.

He applauded the contributions of women to the current administration as Ministers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Executive Directors, Executive Secretaries, and many others, noting that they are pulling their weights, and making it impossible for anyone to downplay their essence.

March 8, 2022
International Women’s Day: AAN makes clarion call for reconsideration of rejected Gender Bills

By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

As Nigeria commemorates the 2022 International Women’s Day, IWD, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, a human rights non-governmental organization has made a clarion call on the National Assembly, the legislative arm of government to reconsider it’s stance on the rejected Gender Bill, which is pivotal to women inclusion in governance and decision making.

AAN decried the outright discard of the Bill and urged the leadership of the National Assembly to substantiate her commitment to gender equality by re-presenting and re-considering the five proposed Gender Bills in the 5th Constitution Alteration Bills that were rejected by both Houses of the National Parliament on 1st March 2022.

Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi who spoke in Abuja said, “In line with this year’s theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, we had looked forward to really celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 because we thought it would mark a turnaround for Nigerian woman in politics, and a historic win in the struggle for women inclusion in decision making spaces, as the 2023 general elections draw closer.”
“Sadly, the decision of the 9th National Assembly has threatened the achievement of adequate women representation in governance, as they have outrightly demonstrated by their votes, that they do not want women inclusion in decision making.”

“If, in 2022, we still have to argue for or against the pivotal role of women in governance, it means our leaders are deliberately resistant to change and still have a lot of learning to do.”

According to Obi, the Gender Bill is the only way to address the current gender imbalance and possibly close the gender parity across the legislative arms of governments and across the country.
She noted that the National Gender Policy states that gender equality and women’s empowerment are basic human rights that lie at the heart of equitable development and the country is a signatory to international and regional frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights with the Optional Protocol on Women’s Rights.
AAN therefore urged the Nigerian Government to live up to her commitment to 35% Affirmative Action on women inclusion across all arms of governance,adding that upholding this will also increase the country’s credibility in the international community.

An inclusive governance is only possible when women sit at the decision-making tables, contribute to planning and national development to find solutions to the many problems plaguing the nation such as climate change and insecurity, she stressed.
Obi further emphasized that no nation can progress with over 50% of its population excluded from contributing to its development. Failure to recognize this is simply planning to fail from the beginning, she concluded.

AAN used the occasion to salute Nigerian women for the continued struggle. “As women, we shall never be intimidated by any insensitive decision; this even makes women grow stronger in the fight for a just society.”

“As we commemorate this day, let history have it that Nigerian women refused to stay quiet in the face of oppression and rights denial.”
This, once again, provides an opportunity to demonstrate oneness of voice.

AAN called on more women’s group to join their voices in the action as against the rejection of the Bills, adding , “We encourage the women to work and walk in solidarity, to keep the flag of womanhood flying, we are strengthened by the knowledge that this struggle is for posterity. “

March 8, 2022
Women’s Day: ActionAid Nigeria Charges Govts To Incorporate Care Centered Approach To Redress Policy

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi has charged Governments at all levels to incorporate care centred approach into their policies and programmes for the benefit of women and children.

Ene Obi who gave the charge in a press release made available to Journalists in Lokoja said it was in commemoration of the 2021 International Women’s Day celebration and as a strong reminder of the unanticipated struggles of Nigerian women.

ActionAid Nigeria, a Non-governmental organization working to promote women’s rights, combat poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria, described women as the hardest hit by social and economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020.

According to her “Many have lost their paid jobs and women became saddled with the unpaid responsibility of caring for sick family members and providing their needs often in vulnerable, low paid roles with little protection.”

“Currently, insecurity has further plunged the country into multiple and intersecting crises with women as primary targets and easy preys. As the country re-strategizes to rise above this current situation, we call for the adoption of a care-centered approach which recognizes that care and well-being are critical to sustaining societies, economies, and the environment.”

“A care-centered approach also entails investing in gender-based violence prevention and response in all public and private spaces. Care needs to be valued, redistributed and should be integral to humanitarian preparedness and response policies.”

The Country Director noted that the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” is apt as there is widespread evidences against gender based inequalities across the country.

While calling for commitment to challenges of gender bias and inequality, her Organisation will join the world to amplify Choose to Challenge to celebrate women’s achievement.

“Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive Nigeria where the empowerment and fulfilment of the rights of women and girls is normalised.” Ene Obi assured.

“As the world beams a spotlight on women, we call on the Nigerian government to reflect and move from policy to action. Governments at all levels should classify and prioritize all Gender based violence as essential services and ensure that they are publicly funded.”

“ ActionAid Nigeria also calls for a scale up of investments in public services, including public healthcare services in order to reduce and redistribute women’s unpaid care and domestic work and ensure women public sector workers who are at the frontline have decent work and a guarantee of international labour standards” She solicited.”

March 8, 2021
Aisha Buhari salutes women on IWD, calls for an end to Incessant Abduction

Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has broken her long silence by sending a goodwill message to Nigerian women on International Women’s Day. She also urged Nigerian leaders to bring an immediate end to the incessant spate of abductions of women and girls in the country.

Outspoken Mrs Buhari had gone off the radar since September 2020 shortly after the wedding of her daughter, Hanan.

There were reports that she relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, citing security issues.

But shortly after, one of her aides, Kabiru Dodo, said Mrs Buhari was on a foreign medical trip.

The situation persisted even when she turned 50 years old on February 18.

But on Monday, she posted a goodwill message on her Twitter handle, @Aishambuhari.

The message which she personally signed was titled “Message of the First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day 2021.”

The President’s wife lamented the continued abduction of women and girls in Nigeria by bandits and terrorists.

She called on all stakeholders to continue to exert their different levels of influence and bring the abductions to an end.

It read, “Today marks the 2021 edition of International Women’s Day. The day offers yet another opportunity for humanity to review and reflect progress made on issues of women and girls.

“This year’s theme: Women In Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World is a strong call to appreciate the efforts of women and girls in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has had a huge impact on women; disrupted education and careers, lost jobs, descent into poverty, and proliferation of domestic violence. Many have also died or suffered due to lack of access to basic information on the pandemic, It is therefore important, not just to continue spreading the message of the COVID-19 protocol, but to remember and support those who have been affected negatively by the pandemic in one way or another.

“Away from COVID-19, women and girls in Nigeria have continued to suffer abductions both in the hands of insurgents and bandits.

“As a mother, I share the sorrow and agony of the victims and their families. I am also not unaware of the impact that these abductions could have in reverting many successes we have hitherto achieved, especially in terms of girl-child education and early marriages.

“I call on all stakeholders to continue to exert their different levels of influence and bring these abductions to an end and to assure us that girls are safe anywhere they may find themselves.

“My best wishes to women all over the world for their resilience, hard work, and commitment to the progress of humanity. Happy International Women’s Day.”

March 8, 2021