Prince Thomas Abi Jr|8 March 2016|9:51pm
The International women's day is a global day for celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The event is celebrated March 8th of each year. It reminds women that they must rise up and stand for their rights. It is an opportunity for women to rise up against injustice and inequality and lack of respect for the female gender.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in marking this year's International Women's day, Nigeria must begin to protect the rights of women. The government and civil societies in the country must fight against injustice, inequality and poverty amongst women.
The Nigerian woman must be given an opportunity to lead in her society. The women of this nation have the same right just like their male counterpart. Women must not be seen as punching bags. Women must not be seen as sex slaves and just for domestic activities. The women of Nigeria must be given proper education.
In our places of work, women must not be intimidated, harassed, cheated, and molested. Women have equal rights just like the men. The women of Nigeria must be encouraged to pursue their dream career. They must be developed academically, economically and socially in order to face the challenges ahead of them.
The Nigerian woman must not be seen as a sex slaves where their male counterpart can pay for sex. Or a tool where a man can buy into marriage. The time has come where female genital mutilation must be seen as an offence or forcing the girl child into early marriage or abortion.
We must encourage our women to follow their dream. Nigeria has stars! This great nation is blessed with great potentials in the Nigerian woman. Our women are industrious, hard-working, intelligent, diligent, respectful and homely. We must give our women their due place in the society.
In our homes, husbands must respect their wives. The men must not take their wives for granted. Men must take care of their wives. They must support their wives and show them love. And women who are working, their husbands must not be indolent or allow their wives to shoulder all the responsibilities because of the fact that women are asking for equality. No! Women must be loved and supported.
The Nigerian woman is gifted. She is blessed. The Nigerian woman can be the Maya Angelou, the Correta-Scott King, Oprah Winifred, the Venus sisters, Catherine Siena, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Eva Peron, Nancy Reagan, Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton. And even in Nigeria, we have upcoming Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Abike Dabiri, Chimmanda Adichie, Aroma Oteh, late Dora Akunyili, Foloronsho Alakija and the many other women who have distinguished themselves and being exceptional.
As the world celebrate's this year's International Women Day, the theme: " Pledge For Parity" has to be taken seriously. Everyone has the responsibility of assisting our women achieve their ambitions in life. The younger generation of women have to be encouraged. It is a known fact that women are better managers of resources than the men. The Nigeria government, civil societies, corporate bodies and other well meaning individuals have the responsibility of supporting our women.
The women of Nigeria are resourceful, energetic, vibrant and intelligent. The women of Nigeria if properly empowered have the capacity to sustain the Nigeria economy. They have the ability to add great value just like their male counterpart.
We must help our women and shun domestic violence, gender discrimination and all forms of inequality against women.
Happy International Women's Day!
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
