The federal government has stressed the need to pay closer attention to the gender-differentiated risks that women and girls are exposed to over their life cycles.
The minister of women’s Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen stated this in Abuja at the National Stakeholders’ Preparatory and Pre-delegate departure meeting sponsored by Plan International Nigeria. READ ALSO: Plan International Condemns Attacks On Voters, Seeks Adequate Protection For Girls, Women
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry noted that the meeting was geared towards Nigeria’s effective participation at the forthcoming Ged Session of the UN Commission.
”As you are aware, the UN Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women.”
According to her, ”Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards, and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide.”
Dame Tallen said, ”Over the years member states participation has shown a growing strength and unity of women’s voices around the world. As a Ministry, we have the responsibility to facilitate the preparation for and in ensuring a successful outcome of this year’s 67″ Session.”
She noted that the lack of inclusion comes with massive costs:which according to the UN Women 2022 Women’s snap short report, women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low and middle-income countries in the last decade.
”A loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action. Reversing this trend according to the report will require tackling the problem of online violence, which 38 percent of women have personally experienced.”
The Minister expressed worry over the growing inequalities that had now become increasingly evident in the context of digital skills and access to technologies, with women being left behind as the result of the digital gender divide.
”The need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education is, therefore, crucial for a sustainable future.” YOU CAN ALSO READ; 2023 Elections: Plan Nigeria Frowns At Poor Reflection Of Girls, Women In Political Parties Manifestoes
”Despite their many achievements, women and_ girls remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Globally they are a minority of students in STEM education, at only 35 percent, with just 3 percent studying information and communication technology. This directly reflects the discrimination faced by women and girls around the world.” she added.