Tag: women

  • Women advocate boosts girls’ confidence through empowerment

    Women advocate boosts girls’ confidence through empowerment

    Author, content creator and women empowerment advocate, Loretta Uyoyo Adewoyin, recently took her inspiring ‘Her Rising School Tour’ to two secondary schools in Lagos, in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

    It was aimed at empowering young girls with lessons on confidence, self-worth, and the power of positive words.

    The tour is one of Loretta’s initiatives focused on nurturing the next generation of confident and emotionally intelligent young women. This year’s outreach visited Elora College at Gloryland Estate, Isheri, and Great Lilies School at Governor’s Road, Lagos.

    Loretta spoke to the girls about true confidence, how positive words can shape their mindset and future and she also shared an illustration of a scientific experiment where two identical plants were spoken to differently – one with kind words and one with negative words.

    The plant that received positive words flourished, while the other withered. This showed them how words carry power, and how speaking kindly to themselves helps them grow.

    Read Also: Toromade, others bag professor of practice at Omniversity Imperial College

    She encouraged them to start using daily affirmations, saying positive things about themselves every day, even when they don’t fully believe it yet.

    In practical demonstrations, each girl took turns saying one thing she liked about herself and then shared kind words with a friend. In return, their friends also shared something they admired most about them.

    These activities helped boost their self-esteem and reminded them how much their words can build or break someone’s confidence.

    “Every young girl deserves to feel seen, confident, and capable. If they can start believing in themselves early, there’s nothing they can’t achieve,” Loretta said.

    The programme also featured Bells Queen’s Accents, a phonetics and diction training company that supported the outreach.

    The girls smiled home as their guests showered them with different gifts ranging from notebooks to affirmation cards.

  • ‘Give women greater opportunities in leadership, politics’

    ‘Give women greater opportunities in leadership, politics’

    Policy expert and social analyst, Abiola Akinpelu, has called for more women participation in politics.

     He noted the low rate of wimen in political positions.

     “In the 10th National Assembly, only 45 women occupy legislative seats of 991 seats in the 36 Houses of Assembly.

    ”The Senate has four women senators of 109 members.

    ”The House of Representatives has 15 women of 360.

    ”Nigeria has never elected a woman governor.

    According to him, women politicians face sexism, misogyny, limited access to funding and resources, societal expectations, stereotypes, violence, intimidation, and others.

    ”These challenges discourage women from pursuing political careers, perpetuating the under-representation of women in politics,” Akinpelu said.

    Stressing the need for change, he identified ways to address the imbalance.

    Read Also: Moppet founder wins women Agripreneurs award in Senegal

    He said: “It’s essential to encourage women to participate in politics, provide support and resources for them, promote gender-sensitive policies and practice and challenge societal norms and stereotypes.”

    He underscored the need to empower woman leadership in Lagos State.

    Akinpelu added: “The parties should consider fronting women candidates for key positions.

    ”Lagos State, in particular, could benefit from a woman.

    ”Some credible women to be considered include Islamiat Oyefusi, Oluranti Adebule, Oyinkansola Abayomi, Abike Dabiri, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and Fola Sherifat Jaji.

    ”Others are Lateefat Okunnu, Abiola Dosunmu, Adejoke Ponle, Alimot Pelewura, Adebisi Susan, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, Omotayo Oduntan and Josephine Oluseyi Williams.

    ‎”By supporting female candidates, Nigeria can take a significant step towards achieving gender balance in politics and promoting inclusive leadership.

    ‎”The underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics is a pressing issue that requires attention and action.

    ‎”By empowering women to take on leadership roles, Nigeria can harness the talents and perspectives of its entire population.

    ‎”Let’s make it happen – let’s make the world know that Nigeria is committed to gender balance and inclusive politics.”

    ‎The policy expert noted that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has struggled to achieve gender parity in politics.

    ‎”Despite making up nearly half of the population, women remain significantly underrepresented in political positions,” he said.

    ‎He stressed the need for greater inclusivity and opportunities for women in leadership.

  • ‘Twinning formula needed to draw more women into political space’

    ‘Twinning formula needed to draw more women into political space’

    The National Deputy Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajjiya Zainab Ibrahim, has called for the adoption of what she calls the “twinning formula” to draw more women into political participation.

    Ibrahim spoke at the weekend during an advocacy programme to increase women’s inclusion in politics in Abuja.

    The deputy women’s leader described the formula as the lowest-hanging fruit for women’s inclusion in politics.

    She noted that the formula has been adopted by political parties in many countries where the vice presidents, deputy governors, and vice chairmen positions in party politics and governance are exclusively reserved for women.

    Appealing to APC to champion the course, Ibrahim noted that if the ruling party had adopted the formula, there would have been 24 female deputy governors in the states controlled by the party.

    “Apart from the special seat advocacy that we are undertaking, we are also strongly advocating for twinning. The twinning does not even require any National Assembly (legislation). It does not require anything. It’s just a policy by a political party.

    Read Also: Zenith Bank/NBBF Women Basketball League:  MFM, First Bank maintain tight grip for final place

    “In New York in 2016, I was at a conference and I met the Vice President of The Gambia, a woman, and I asked her: ‘The Gambia is an Islamic country, how come you became the Vice President?’ She told me all their governors had women as deputy governors because the ruling party adopted the twinning formula.

    “You see, it is just a policy pronouncement by the party, and then it becomes. Now, if my party, APC, should adopt the twinning formula, we have 24 states APC controls, and we would have had 24 deputy governors.

    “To me, the lowest-hanging fruit for women’s inclusion in politics is the twinning formula. We are working strongly on it.

    “You know, the Special Seats Bill will have some legislative backing at the end of the day. But when a party formulates a formula, it is subject to changes. That is why we are paying more attention to the Special Seats Bill.”

    “But we are also doing a very high-level advocacy for the twinning formula because countries that have attained up to 50 per cent and more, like Namibia and Rwanda, adopted the twinning formula… By the grace of God, it can even be achieved faster than the Special Seats Bill.”

    Ibrahim, who doubles as deputy national secretary of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), promised to use her position to spread the policy among all the political parties in the country.

  • Author backs women in crisis

    Author backs women in crisis

    Byauthor and social entrepreneur, Benison Christopher, has pledged to support women escaping abusive situations as she officially launched her debut book, A Place Without Heroes.

    Speaking at the book’s unveiling  in Lagos recently, Christopher described the work not only as a literary milestone but also as a tool for change. She disclosed that proceeds from sales would be channeled into a new empowerment initiative designed to help women in crisis rebuild their lives through trade, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.

    “This conviction – that people can and must raise themselves into heroism, led to the creation of The Benison Christopher Company, a socially-conscious media enterprise that uses art to illuminate societal issues and respond with acts of kindness,” she said.

    She stated that her organisation had already provided financial support to two women ahead of the book’s official release. “The goal of today’s event is therefore not merely to sell books but also to fund change. Every copy of A Place Without Heroes sold will help finance this initiative,” Christopher added.

    She explained that the collection of short stories explores human vulnerability and resilience, while also exposing the harsh reality of a broken society where people, in moments of crisis, often wait in vain for external saviours.

    “A Place Without Heroes holds up a mirror to our society – one that does not flatter, but reveals that we are flawed,” Christopher told guests.

    Read Also: Police arraign man for ‘bullying’ MC Oluomo on social media

    “These are not stories of caped saviours swooping in to fix everything; they are stories of ordinary people – often afraid, sometimes selfish, sometimes remarkably brave – caught in extraordinary circumstances.

    “But, like me, they all discover a bitter truth: no one is coming. To survive, the impacted must first find the courage within themselves to become the heroes they once sought and turn pain into passion and purpose, or perish.”

    Responding to questions on her writing process, societal themes, and personal inspirations, she said truth in storytelling must remain unflinching.

    “I believe truth and fiction should be unflinching. I’m also mindful of my readers’ sensitivities, but I believe sanitising reality will dilute the impact,” she told journalists.

    On her inspiration, she revealed that her own struggles, including medical negligence during childbirth, influenced some of her characters. She singled out Chiamaka in The Riverbank as the one she personally connected to, adding: “I also suffered medical negligence while having my child. So I think I connect more with Chiamaka because I also lived that reality.”

    Asked about her message to women enduring abuse, Christopher responded with striking candor: “Being a victim of abuse myself, I know it takes a lot of courage first to own up to it. I hope that every woman who is going through or has gone through an abusive situation gets the courage to live above it, to rise above it, to find that pain that makes them unique and turn it into purpose and passion. The story should not just end as one of those stories – it should become a source of impact and hope.”

    She disclosed that discussions are underway to adapt the collection into stage plays and films, highlighting its “visual and emotional depth.”

    Christopher stressed that her work is both a mirror and a challenge to society, stating: “While I see my work as a mirror to society, I also see it as a tool to challenge it. Sometimes survival is the victory. In a broken system, we must redefine what it means to be courageous and compassionate.”

    She paid tribute to her literary influences, naming Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, and Ola Rotimi as key inspirations in her journey as a writer, while describing Achebe as her “all-time favourite.”

    In her closing remarks, Christopher expressed gratitude to family, friends, and readers, saying: “Sometimes, the hero we’re waiting for may never come, and in that moment, we must discover the hero within ourselves.

    If the world seems to have fewer heroes, perhaps that is the challenge – for each of us to rise, first for ourselves, and then for the small corner of the world that needs us to be its hero.”

  • Expo to spotlight women, youth, others in farming

    Expo to spotlight women, youth, others in farming

    The Nigeria International Agriculture Expo (NIAEXPO 2025) is set to showcase the nation’s agricultural potential globally, with this year’s edition placing special focus on empowering women and youth in agribusiness while strengthening value chains.

    Speaking at a press briefing, Project Coordinator of NIAEXPO, Abiodun Olaniyi, said the annual event is designed to position Nigeria as a major player across the agricultural spectrum—upstream, midstream, and downstream, while addressing key challenges such as post-harvest losses, low input efficiency, and distribution gaps.

    Olaniyi added that the 2025 edition will feature dedicated sessions on livestock, finance, organic farming, and agroecology, as well as draw attention to underutilized crops such as broccoli, flowers, and moringa.

    He emphasised that NIAEXPO 2025 goes beyond an exhibition.

    “It is a platform for inclusion, innovation, and global positioning. It is about building capacity, celebrating our farmers, and giving Nigeria the edge in agriculture as we move toward 2030.

    “In the last edition, we hosted participants from more than 10 countries, including Russia, India, the U.S., Estonia, and China. Beyond international participation, our passion remains to project Nigeria by supporting small businesses, integrating knowledge, and tackling gaps in agro-logistics, digital agriculture, and supply chains,” Olaniyi said.

    Read Also: Obadara lifts youths, women with livestock farming skills, startup

    Regional Project Lead, Adekunle Adamson, stressed inclusivity as a central theme of this year’s expo. He announced the introduction of a Farmers’ Day to celebrate farmers’ contributions and provide them with training to improve productivity.

    “We have mobilised farmers across various associations to participate. There are dedicated schemes and trainings to equip them with knowledge that will enhance both inputs and outputs in their communities,” Adamson said.

    Another key feature is the Women Entrepreneurship Hub, which will offer women and youth in agribusiness guidance on product registration, packaging, marketing, and market entry strategies.

    “In agriculture, women are very critical but have not been spotlighted. This year, we are ensuring they are given visibility, especially those from rural and subsistence farming backgrounds,” Adamson noted.

    The three-day expo will include capacity-building sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, and international partnership opportunities, with participation expected from stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and other African countries.

  • Eight proven ways to remove unwanted facial hair in women

    Eight proven ways to remove unwanted facial hair in women

    For many women, unwanted facial hair, particularly on the jawline, face, and upper lip can be a source of discomfort, self-consciousness, and even emotional stress. 

    While it is completely natural for women to have fine facial hair, some experience thicker or darker growth due to hormonal changes, genetics, or underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This can make grooming a constant battle, affecting confidence and sometimes leading to social anxiety.

    Fortunately, there are several safe and effective methods to reduce or completely remove unwanted facial hair. The right choice depends on your budget, skin sensitivity, and desired results.

    Below are eight proven ways to tackle the problem:

    1. Threading

    Threading is an ancient hair removal technique that uses a twisted cotton thread to pluck hair from the root. It is precise and effective for shaping and removing hair on the upper lip, jawline, and chin. Results usually last 2–4 weeks, and it’s relatively inexpensive.

    2. Waxing

    Facial waxing removes hair from the root, leaving the skin smooth for weeks. It can be done with soft wax strips or hard wax beads. However, waxing may not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin as it can cause redness or irritation.

    3. Tweezing

    Tweezing is perfect for removing a few stray hairs on the jaw or chin. It is inexpensive and can be done at home, though it is not ideal for larger areas because it is time-consuming.

    4. Depilatory Creams

    These creams contain chemicals that dissolve hair just below the skin’s surface. They work quickly and are painless, but you must do a patch test first to avoid allergic reactions or burns.

    5. Dermaplaning

    Dermaplaning uses a special blade to gently scrape away fine hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells, leaving the face smoother and brighter. It is usually done by professionals but can be done at home with the right tools.

    6. Laser Hair Removal

    Laser treatment targets hair follicles with light energy to reduce future growth. It is a long-term solution and works best on darker hair and lighter skin, though new technology now caters to more skin tones.

    Read Also: Top 10 natural ways for women to lose belly fat

    7. Electrolysis

    Electrolysis uses a tiny electric current to destroy hair follicles permanently. It is effective for all skin and hair types, but it requires multiple sessions and can be more expensive.

    8. Natural Remedies

    Some women prefer natural methods such as turmeric and chickpea flour paste, papaya enzyme masks, or sugar-lemon scrubs. While results are slower, these remedies can gently reduce hair growth over time without harsh chemicals.

    Facial hair in women is natural, but if it bothers you, you have multiple safe and effective options to choose from. Whether you prefer professional treatments for lasting results or at-home solutions for quick fixes, the best method is one that suits your skin type, budget, and comfort level.

  • Capital Luxury Group partners ministry to empower women through pageantry

    Capital Luxury Group partners ministry to empower women through pageantry

    In a bold step toward driving inclusive development, Capital Luxury Group, through its CSR arm, the Miss Luxury Foundation, met with the Benue State Ministry of Women and Social Affairs on May 26, 2025, to forge a partnership aimed at empowering young women through education, leadership, and economic inclusion.

    Held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi, the high-level engagement featured a presentation by Solomon Akeh, Project Manager of the Miss Luxury Foundation, who represented Dr. Edidiong Udoidiong, Executive Director of the Foundation. 

    He outlined the mission of the Miss Luxury Foundation and the purpose of the visit—to secure the Ministry’s endorsement and collaboration for the upcoming Miss Luxury Pageantry 2025.

    “At Capital Luxury, we believe that real luxury is the ability to uplift others,” said Solomon Akeh. “Miss Luxury is not just about the crown—it’s a transformative platform that nurtures confidence, vision, and purpose. This partnership with the Ministry will help ensure that the empowerment we envision reaches every corner of Benue and beyond.”

    During a productive Q&A session, Ministry officials expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and its alignment with government programs focused on gender equality and youth empowerment. The Foundation also shared plans to use the pageant as a springboard for broader initiatives, including leadership development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship bootcamps, and long-term mentorship for young women.

    Read Also: GiNN convener underscores role of youth empowerment in nation-building

    In response, Hon. Mrs. Ann Itodo, Honourable Commissioner for Women and Social Affairs, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting partnerships that deliver meaningful, lasting value.

    Directors within the ministry shared insights into government priorities and offered recommendations for maximizing the pageant’s inclusivity and policy alignment. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to ongoing dialogue and strategic implementation.

    This collaboration reinforces Capital Luxury Group’s position as a responsible thought leader in Nigeria’s private sector—leveraging innovation, culture, and inclusive development to drive transformational impact across communities.

  • Firm renews commitment at webinar series, empowers women financially

    Firm renews commitment at webinar series, empowers women financially

    In celebration of Women’s Month, AXA Mansard Investments Limited, a leading asset management firm, has expressed its commitment to continue empowering women financially in the country.

    The company said this at its third edition of its flagship webinar series, ‘Achieve Much More, held virtually.

    This special Women’s Day edition, themed: “Women’s Wealth: How to Start from Where You Are”, was designed to equip Nigerian women with practical knowledge and tools for achieving financial security regardless of their life stage or income level.

    The virtual session featured seasoned financial advisor and Chief Executive Officer of MoneyStart, Mrs. Ibi Ibru, as the guest speaker.

     A  content creator and influencer in the personal finance space, shared actionable strategies for saving, diversifying income, and getting started with investing, even with minimal capital.

    Throughout the session, participants learned how to plan and adjust their finances across different life phases – singlehood, relationships, marriage, and parenting.

    The session demystified a range of investment vehicles, from traditional savings to beginner-friendly options in the Nigerian financial landscape, helping women identify how to take control of their journeys towards financial freedom.

    About the initiative, Mrs. Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard Investments, emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering a financially literate population.

     She stated that “At AXA Mansard Investments, we strongly believe that financial education is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

    Empowering women with financial knowledge not only transforms individual lives, but strengthens families, communities, and the broader economy.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele featured among Hollywood’s ‘Most Influential Women in International Film’

    This webinar reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring all Nigerians—regardless of gender, income, or background, have access to the tools they need to make informed financial decisions.”

    The ‘Achieve Much More’ webinar series is part of AXA Mansard Investments’ broader efforts to provide accessible financial education through interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and simplified investment tools tailored to everyday Nigerians.

    ‘As 2025 progresses, AXA Mansard Investments remains dedicated to its mission of advancing financial literacy and supporting Nigerians on their journey to financial independence.

    By placing even greater emphasis on educating the public about smart money habits, we aim to empower more Nigerians to take charge of their financial future.’ added Mrs. Surakat.

  • Don seeks elimination of abuse against women

    Don seeks elimination of abuse against women

    • By Abike Sanusi

    Prof. Adepeju Johnson- Bashua, a lecturer at the Department of Religions And Peace Studies, Faculty of Arts at the Lagos State University (LASU) has reaffirmed  that all forms of abuse against women should be abolished.

    She noted that until the cultural status of women as inferior to men in patrilineal society is re-evaluated, gender equality will be impossible.

    Johnson-Bashua delivered the 105th Inaugural lecture of LASU on the Ojo campus. It was entitled:”Historicising, Contextualising, And Justifying Women’s Aluta Continua In Unkind Religious Spaces.”

    She urged the United Nations General Assembly to recommit to its Convention on Eliminating all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

    “Violation of this convention in any form should be met with stricter sanctions. “This way, women’s personalities and aspirations will be respected in all sectors,” she said.

    The don added: “For women to enjoy unfettered gender equality in the religious space, it is essential for a proper interpretation of scriptures which reflect the equal status of both sexes before God.

    “The scriptures of the three religions display a generally positive attitude to the world and the place of humans within it, thereby giving both sexes secular and religious power based on the individual’s worth.

    “This was the premise upon which power was allotted in the pre-colonial era, where women enjoyed fair equality.

    “A good understanding of these cosmologies is essential for a renegotiation of gender equality in religious space”.

    Read Also: Women’s indispensable role in nurturing talents

    Bashua bemoaned  the high illiteracy among women, noting that it makes it difficult for them to fight for their rights. “For example, women constitute a minority in decision-making in parliament despite the introduction of a quota system.

    “Due to stereotyped gender roles assigned to both sexes, girls are more likely to be deprived of education because their roles in life are to be that of a wife and mother. Educating women will reduce vulnerability to marginalisation,” she said.

    She noted that men still enjoy a larger share of the economy; stressing that poverty stands at the root of gender discrimination.

    She stressed the need to eradicate poverty across all sectors and among women folk, urging the government to implement programmes that will aid gender- inclusivity.

  • How women can redefine progress against the odds

    How women can redefine progress against the odds

    Women across industries continue to break barriers, proving that gender inclusion and financial empowerment are not just ideals but essential drivers of societal progress. The call for gender parity and expanded opportunities for women to thrive has remained on the front burner of global discourse, PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports

    Lesson from the Beijing Women Conference

    Since the landmark Beijing Women Conference in 1995, which outlined 12 principles for the empowerment of women and girls, concerted efforts have been made to address gender-related challenges. Despite the visionary agenda agreed upon by representatives from 189 governments, committing to unprecedented initiatives for gender equality, many women and girls across the world still face significant challenges towards actualising their professional and business goals.

    It was against this backdrop that reputable organisations like the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ikeja Electric (IKEDC), the Africana Women Working Group, Ruth Sisters Fellowship International, and the Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) organised separate events in support of the clamour for gender equality, inclusion and women empowerment as catalyst for positive developments.

    Reinforcing its commitment to gender parity and empowerment, UBA hosted its 2025 Business Series entitled: “Against the Odds: The Impact of Women” at its Lagos headquarters. This hybrid event brought together trailblazing women from various sectors to share their personal journeys and inspire the next generation. The discussions emphasized the need for women to support one another, dismantle stereotypes, and seize opportunities.

    Accomplished female leaders highlighted the struggles women face in leadership, particularly the balancing act between career and family. Former Attorney General and Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc, Chief Eniola Fadayomi, noted the double standards career women face. “Assertiveness is seen as aggression, while collaboration is perceived as weakness. The key is to embrace our strengths and challenge stereotypes.”

    Managing Director of BOI Investment and Trust Company Limited, Mrs. Flora Fabyan, stressed the importance of strategic decision-making to maintain balance between professional and personal life. “Women naturally juggle multiple roles, and success lies in strategic decision-making. Ensuring alignment between professional and personal goals is crucial.”

    Financial autonomy was another key topic. Actress and producer Nancy Isime underscored the importance of financial independence, stating, “It’s not just about wealth but about the power to make choices. Women must cultivate habits of budgeting, investing wisely, and securing their financial future.”

    The discussion also tackled the controversial issue of whether women genuinely support each other in professional spaces. Angela Emuwa, Chairperson of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, challenged the notion that women in leadership exclude others. “There’s a belief that women push away the ladder after climbing, but it’s essential to keep it in place. We all know what women are capable of achieving.”

    Fabyan echoed this sentiment, urging women to engage in mentorship and sponsorship rather than unhealthy competition. However, Chief Fadayomi advised that support should not involve covering up lapses, as that would be detrimental to true mentorship.

    Founder and CEO of Shule Direct, Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, spoke on the transformative power of education. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Empowering women has a ripple effect on families, communities, and economies,” she said, calling for collective responsibility in ensuring that women and girls have access to education and professional opportunities.

    UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, reiterated the bank’s dedication to gender inclusion. “When women succeed, businesses, communities, and economies prosper. Our commitment remains unwavering in creating pathways for women to lead and excel.”

    Adding its voice to the movement, IKEDC also hosted a hybrid event featuring notable speakers, including Ibukun Awosika, Betty Irabor, and Maye Ayida. CEO of IKEDC, Folake Soetan, encouraged women to own their spaces with confidence, stating, “Breaking systemic barriers and biases requires decisive efforts.”

    Awosika emphasized the importance of uplifting other women. “Never shut a door—determine which should remain open and which should close. Be consistent and treat people with respect,” she advised.

    Similarly, Lotus Financial Services CEO, Toyin Kekere Ekun, admonished women to allocate their earnings wisely, differentiating between needs and wants.

    Read Also: Wanted: Stronger legal framework for protection of women

    Olufunke Jones challenged women to be competent and credible team players, stating, “The demand for gender equality must meet ready and qualified women. Women must be courageous, competent, collaborative, consistent and competitive.”

    At the UN headquarters in New York, during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), Prof. Ada Menakaya, UN Global Coordinator for Gender Priority Strategy (GEPS), underscored gender equality as a moral imperative for sustainable development. “Despite progress, inequalities persist. The global community must move beyond rhetoric and implement action-oriented strategies.”

    The Gender Priority Strategy (GEPS), launched at CSW68 in 2024, was highlighted as a framework to drive policy, education, advocacy, and research on gender issues worldwide.

    Prof. Menakaya emphasized that gender-based discrimination must be tackled through systemic reforms that integrate gender concerns into development mechanisms.

    Moving Forward

    As conversations on gender equality continue, organisations and individuals must work collectively to remove barriers that hinder women’s progress. From corporate boardrooms to grassroots advocacy, the message is clear: empowering women is not just beneficial—it is imperative for societal advancement. The call to action is now, and it requires unwavering commitment to ensuring that women are given the opportunities they rightfully deserve. The event was held in commemoration of this year’s women’s day.