Gender Equality became part of international human rights law by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948.
That milestone document in the history of human rights recognized that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, … birth or other status.”
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. Moreover, it has been shown overtime that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth. Exclusively, it has shown capacity to stimulate economic growth, which is important, especially in countries with higher unemployment rates and less economic opportunity like Nigeria.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
There has been progress over the last decades: More girls going to school and fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality.
Indeed, increasing women’s and girls’ educational attainment contributes to world growth and development; women’s economic empowerment includes women’s ability to participate equally in existing markets; their access to and control over productive resources, access to decent work, control over their own time, lives and bodies; and increased voice, agency and meaningful participation in economic decision-making at all levels from the household to international institutions.
Moreso, when more women work, economies grow. Women’s economic empowerment boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality in addition to other positive development outcomes.
In affirming the role of women in the society over the years, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka succinctly put that “There is already enough evidence in the world to show the positive impact of women’s leadership. Women have successfully built and run countries and cities, economies and formidable institutions.” Yes, women have contributed immensely to the growth of the world.
In Nigeria for instance, large number of women have distinctively played great roles in the political arena; Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, Margaret Ekpo and host of others were great state actors after independence, the likes of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Remi Tinubu and much more women are also big players in Nigeria politics presently. In the larger world, Isabela Perone, Sirleaf Ellen Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Angela Merkel, Nancy Pelosi, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Wright are big inspiration to the teeming young girls population.
At the economic world, Dr. Okonjo Iweala leads the World Trade Organization, Folorunsho Alakija is a Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist involved in the fashion, oil, real estate and printing industries. Ibukun Awosika, M.O Abudu and lots more to mention are doing really great and contributing to Nigeria’s growth.
Prof. Grace Alele Williams made her mark through academics.
From the foregoing, when women are given better opportunities, it would definitely translate into greater development.
“Women, like men, should try to do the impossible” – Amelia Earheart. Simply put, a sustainable development for tomorrow is much more possible when women are better engaged in the scheme of things.
Rachael Mojirola Balogun
National President,
National Association Of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS NATIONAL)…. Continue reading