Nigeria’s Minister for Women’s Affairs, Pauline Fallen, had called on women to stay resilient, strong and to “step up” for gender equality by moving from rhetoric to action.

She said this during a press conference on the occasion of the launch of activities for the celebration of International Women’s Day 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to her, this year’s theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Future” highlights the contributions of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on adaptation, mitigation and response to climate change, in order to build a sustainable future for all. .

The Minister added that the theme aligns with the priority theme of the upcoming 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women: “Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls in the context climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programs”. .

‘
She noted that while adopting the overarching theme, the ministry “will also address women in leadership and governance; Women and the environment and the inclusion of women with disabilities.

“To ensure that we are truly successful in our advocacy, we need to adopt a rights-based and gender-responsive approach to food security and agro-biodiversity with the aim of achieving equitable access to land, resources, assets and institutions for equitable benefits.

“
Mrs.

Tallen said the need for a strategic women’s movement that can build on previous efforts and galvanize action towards spearheading a new agenda for Nigerian women, towards our quest for women’s political participation is now essential.

“In a few weeks, we will launch a national women’s movement under the name of Women Reconnect For New Nigeria Initiative, proposed as a social mobilization and awareness-raising movement to galvanize women to participate fully and equitably in the processes leading to the general elections of 2023. . and beyond.

“
The UN Women’s National Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, said achieving gender equality and sustainable development in the context of climate change enhances a more sustainable future for all.

She pledges the support of UN Women to continue to amplify the message that “it is not too late to invest in climate action by and for women, to empower women entrepreneurs and decision-makers to give voice and power to the next generation of champions of the Earth and to demand commitments to build an equal and sustainable future for all.

“
As part of the activities planned to commemorate the 2022, the ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will organize a tree planting exercise on March 4, 2022, a Sunday service on March 6, 2022 in churches and the national dialogue of women on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection, including art exhibition on women and climate change and leadership on March 8, 2022.

The ministry then launched the National Communication Strategy to end all forms of violence against women and girls in Nigeria.

Moving from rhetoric to action on gender equality – Minister