The Deputy Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos, Jennifer Foltz, says her country has continued to invest millions of dollars to promote the rights of women and girls in Africa.
She spoke on Wednesday at a book presentation entitled, ” She Evolves, ” held at the American Corner, Ibadan.
Foltz said there was the need to break down all barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in the economy and which would benefit everyone.
Speaking on the theme of the 2020 International Women Day, ‘Each for Equal,’ she said: “We are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions.
“We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes bye bye, focus on productivity and celebrate women’s achievements everytime.
“We need to choose both men and women, this is not just women’s issue of course, if we choose to advance women every little bit of the acts add up to something big.
“And when we break down all barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in the economy, everyone benefits.
“So, whether at home or abroad, promoting women’s economic participation is the priority of the US government.
“We promote the rights of women and girls as well as equality policy here in Africa, we invest millions of dollars to do that kind of work.
“This is just another example of the work we are partnering with to do just that.”
Foltz said the event was an avenue to connect, network and make relationships that last for a long time.
“That is why we have American places all over Nigeria and all across the world so people can come together and really connect and network,” she said.
Mrs Oluwayemisi Egunjobi, the publisher of the book, said the publication was about women evolving through different stages of life, highlighting the peculiarities and challenges of each decade of development.
“Even me, reading through the different decades, I am gaining a lot of things every time I pick up the book to edit.
“And I wished that I had read a book like that to prepare me. There is no preparation for life that can be enough.
“But at least by proxy when you experience some things you can easily gloss over that kind of event in life,” she said.
Egunjobi, who is also the Managing Director, Joycefitround Educational Services Ltd, advocated for self love from women.
“I think it is important that every woman must think about how to make money.
“But in making money we must learn that we are not men, we must learn that we need to bring up the next generation that must continue.
“So we must be able to balance work and life as well as business, that is very key and important for me,” she said.
The publisher stated that the author of the book, Mojoyin Oyadiran, had nursed the idea of the publication while in her 20s and reasoned that having co-authors from different decades of life would enrich women from all walks of life.
Miss Lauretta Malaka, who read from the 20s decade chapter in the book, said the publication was an eye opener on issues that would shape one’s entire life, help to make good decisions and juggle roles in life.
The 194-page book is divided into five chapters denoting the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s decades of life.
The book, a self development publication, is filled with practical knowledge that would help women navigate effectively and optimally through each decade of life.
Authored by Oyadiran, other co-authors are Yetunde Omoarukhe, Oyindamola Ige, Ivana Osagie and De Gomeg. (NAN)
