By Patrick Obia
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has called on women to step out from their shells and get fully involved in governance and decision-making as they mark the 2023 International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8 to celebrate the efforts of women in every facet of society. This year’s theme “DigitALL: Innovation And Technology For Gender Equality,” with the trend #EmbraceEquity used to promote tech and innovations in tackling gender-based violence.
NHRC in Calabar, Cross River State through the State Coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Remi Ajuga said the time women sat on the fence is far gone as now is the time to take the bull by the horn and take their rightful place in politics and every facet of the society.
“From the Commission, as the women celebrate this day, we wish them well and a smooth celebration. They shouldn’t relent in their effort because they play a critical role in the development of any society. Nigeria is where it is because women have not taken their rightful place in handling the national problems that besiege the country. A few women that made names in the past were able to do that because they showed the stuff they are made of.
“The men also are doing the best we can but we have seen where we are, so it is the right time for women to take up the challenge and be the driver instead of the passenger in politics and all areas.”
The Commission enjoins women to come out en mass in the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly election on Saturday, March 18, 2023, to vote for candidates they believe will help in reshaping their future and that of their children.
“Stand up for your rights any time, any day, any situation. Come this gubernatorial and State House of Assembly election the National Human Rights Commission is urging the people to come out en mass and exercise their franchise according to their conscience on the party and candidate they wish will take their welfare and security as the primary objective; they shouldn’t relent.
“They should come out en mass and vote, the last election they were everywhere. In fact, the app the Commission used to monitor the election, there was a column for the number of women in polling units and we were able to capture that. On average in some places, we were having women to men 60 – 40 and it was very encouraging because women are more at the receiving end when the economy, insecurity, and when there is a downturn in social progression, women tend to suffer it more than the opposite sex.
“It is their time to come out and with their votes make a statement reshaping the future of their children and adjusting to today’s situation to better their lives.”
Earlier, the NHRC in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs had kicked off the day with a tranquil and solemn road walk in the metropolis with placards with different inscriptions such as “protect women and girls from all forms of abuse and violence”, “release Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs” among others.
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