Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ B-Zone has called for adequate representation of women in positions.
This was part of the agreement reached at the Women Summit of its Zonal Executive Council, ZEC programme, which held at Ladi Lawal Press Centre, Ikeja Lagos.
According to the communique themed, “Empowering Women: Driving Good Governance and Economic Growth,” NAWOJ B-Zone emphasized that it resonates deeply with craft of journalism and your unwavering commitment to advocating for women’s rights and empowerment, which is not only within the walls of media houses but also in the hearts and minds of the communities served.
The association opined that the role of women journalists in shaping public opinion and driving social charge cannot be overstated, hence barriers to equality in journalism, societal expectations and the ever present spectre of gender based violence are hurdles to collectively overcome in the vanguard of truth, illuminating issues that others may shy away from, and providing a voice to the voiceless.
NAWOJ B-Zone ZEC averred that empowering women is not merely a matter of social justice, it is an economic imperative, with proofs that when women are empowered, economies grow, societies flourish, and future generations thrive, by investing in women’s education, health, and economic opportunities, with effect, as prosperity of our nations.
The women association maintained that good governance is intrinsically linked to women’s empowerment, that when women take their rightful place in decision-making processes, they bring unique insights and solutions to the challenges faced either in politics, business, and community leadership.
ZEC asserted that Women leaders tend to prioritize social issues, advocate for inclusive policies, and drive initiatives that address the needs of the most vulnerable, that as women journalists, we have the power to hold leaders accountable, ensuring that they prioritize good governance and equitable policies that benefit all.
NAWOJ maintained that” it will continue to advocate for systemic reforms that dismantle the barriers to women’s participation in governance and economic activities, by advocating means for legal frameworks that protect women’s rights, creating platforms for women’s voices to be heard, and fostering environments where women can thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders, supported with policies that empower women, challenge stereotypes, and uplift those who have been marginalized.
“B-Zone NAWOJ urged everyone to imagine a world where Women’s ideas, talents, and perspectives are valued and utilized to their full potential, saying that is the world we are striving to achieve, it is not just a dream, it is a recipe for success, a direct correlation between women’s empowerment and economic prosperity.
“When women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, they not only improve their own lives but also lift their families and communities, as entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, driving growth and stability, and in good governance, Women tend to prioritize issues like education, healthcare, and social welfare which are crucial for a thriving society, with women’s collaborative and consensus-building styles foster transparency and accountability, leading to better governance for all.”
NAWOJ B-Zone believes in empowering women to take charge, to go after their dreams, and to make a real difference, because when women rise, so do communities, so does the economy, and entire nation, where women’s leadership is the driving force for good governance and economic prosperity.
The women advocate association asserted that empowering women is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development, which is not only a matter of equity and fairness but also a key driver of economic progress and good governance, because when women are empowered, entire communities thrive, and nations prosper, this is because women bring unique perspectives, innovative solutions, and an inclusive approach to leadership and decision-making.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
“I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai
These two quotes convey powerful messages for women’s empowerment, that when a woman asserts her rights, demands respect, or challenges injustice, she is not only advocating for herself but also for all women. Her actions contribute to the collective empowerment of women, even if she may not be consciously aware of the broader impact. easier for others to follow suit. It reflects the idea of solidarity among women, where individual victories contribute to the advancement of women as a whole.”
NAWOJ ZEC B-Zone further maintained that empowering women is not just a matter of fairness, but a necessary condition for the overall success and advancement of society, with one voice by the women to leaders can help create a more just and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, with significant boost in economic growth, while maintaining that greater female labour force participation can increase household incomes, reduce poverty, and contribute to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
The Frontline women association says, Women’s Empowerment, Good Governance and Economic Growth is important because it acknowledges gender equality as a vital component of sustainable development, successful governance, and economic prosperity, rather than merely a moral or social concern.
According to B-Zone ZEC, good governance and inclusive decision-making are facilitated by women’s empowerment because they contribute a variety of viewpoints and life experiences to leadership and decision-making processes, which results in more inclusive and complete policies. Decisions made by empowered women in governance are more likely to take into account the requirements of the whole population rather than just a subset of it.
“Empowering women also guarantees transparency and accountability as women in leadership positions tend to prioritize issues like education, health, and social welfare, and are often less prone to corruption, and this can lead to more transparent, accountable, and effective governance structures.”
NAWOJ also stated that economic empowerment of women brings about entrepreneurship and innovation as empowered women are more likely to start businesses and innovate, contributing to economic dynamism and job creation, and women’s leadership is crucial in driving change at all levels of governance and the economy.
“Women in Nigeria are underrepresented in leadership positions due to systemic barriers, and we call for deliberate policies that promote women’s leadership, mentorship programmes, and initiatives that encourage women to aspire to leadership roles, connecting the nexus between women’s empowerment, good governance and economic growth lays in the recognition that gender equality is integral to the overall development and stability of societies.”
NAWOJ B-Zone calling on governments and stakeholders said it is time to put a stop to Women being relegated to the background politically, economically and socially, even though Nigeria is a signatory to international conventions, where declaration was made at the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, which advocated 30% affirmative action and National Gender Policy (NGP) recommendation of 35% Affirmative Action for a more inclusive representation of women both in elective and appointive positions, being made a priority.
“Enforcing strong legal protections against gender-based violence, including workplace harassment, domestic violence, and sexual assault, is crucial for ensuring that women can safely and freely participate in all areas of society, by expanding access to quality education for girls and women is foundational to empowerment.”
NAWOJ says that for the economy to grow, governments and private sectors should create initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, such as providing access to capital, business training, and networking opportunities, with special attention being given to addressing the barriers women face in starting and growing businesses.
The NAWOJ B-Zone Summit communique concluded that, “introducing gender quotas in political bodies and corporate boards can ensure that women are adequately represented in decision-making processes, as this helps to bring diverse perspectives to governance and business, leading to more inclusive outcomes, Incorporating a gender perspective into all levels of policy-making and institutional processes (known as gender mainstreaming) ensures that the needs and perspectives of women are considered in governance and economic development.”