Gender equality is providing equal opportunities and rights to both men and women in politics, economics, education, healthcare and every aspect of life.
A society that prioritizes Gender equality will record a lower occurrence of human rights violations, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, harmful cultural practices, early and forced marriage, vesico vaginal fistula (VVF), and other vices. This automatically translates to a society where violence against women and girls is not tolerated and offenders are prosecuted maximally, a society where girls go to school as much as boys, a society where the girl child is not forced to drop out of school and married off to use her bride price to take care of the family or dropped out of school because the parents can no longer afford the children education despite being the brightest, a society where women are involved in leadership and decision making processes without exclusion, a society where women can confidently vote and/or run for government office without discrimination, a society where women have a choice on whether to keep birthing children or access sexual and reproductive health services, a society where women can access loans, acquire properties and rent a house without objection and discrimination, a society where a woman does not lose her job for being a single parent when her productivity is not in doubt, a society where laws and policies are not made for women without their presence, consultation or opinion, etc. Gender equality is essential for economic prosperity. Women’s empowerment remains a critical aspect of achieving gender equality. Societies that promote the equal rights of both women and men are safer and healthier.
The Anneozeng Ogozi Aid Foundation (AOAF) team visited Kaida Community for a one-day advocacy session with the elders, men, women, youths and other stakeholders, on the impact of female inclusion and promoting gender equality on the economic development of the community. At the meeting, the AOAF team shared that through support for female empowerment in agriculture, health, education, and politics, Kaida community will experience accelerated progress as empowered women lead to an empowered household and community at large. The team further shared that women’s participation in decision-making processes in the community will provide unchartered perspectives that can influence more positive outcomes.
Remarkably, at the session which was attended by both men and women, the AOAF team nominated a woman to interpret for the team. This was highly unusual but the men present didn’t object. During the meeting, the team observed the culture of silence on the part of the women like in most communities and encouraged them to speak out and share their thoughts. At the end of the session, the team encouraged the community leaders to let women participate in interventions for maximum output.
Anneozeng Ogozi Aid Foundation is advocating for a society where more women will take up more spaces and lend their voices to decision-making processes in the communities.