‘Gender inequality undermines women’s role in societal development’

Professor Ifuero Osamwonyi of the Department of Banking and Finance, University of Benin, has said gender inequality was militating against women development in the country.

The don spoke at an event organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the NACCIMA Business Women Group (NAWORG) to mark the 2020 International Women ‘s Day (IWD) y in Benin City.

Osamwonyi, who deplored the development, urged equity.

He regretted that women and the girl were being marginalised by their male counterparts, canvassing proper training and empowerment of the girl-child to enable her to contribute her quota to the development of the society.

The university teacher identified education as one of the tools to empower and liberate the girl-child as well as guarantee her future.

His words: ” Empowerment of women has been described as a necessity for the very development of a society since it enhances both quality and quantity of human resources.

“The role of women has continuously evolved over the years. In pre-colonial societies that now constitute Nigeria, women played major roles in socio-economic activities.”

In her welcome address, the Edo State Coordinator of NACCIMA NAWORG, Mrs. Aina Omo-Ojeonu, said the group was out to facilitate women’s active participation in commerce and governance.

Other objectives of the, according to her, are to facilitate trade among women; identify profitable business and market opportunities for members as well as to facilitate access to loans and business information for members.

She said: “The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #Each For Equal #. An equal world is enabled world. An equal world represents equal rights and opportunities for both men and women across employment, education, culture, economy and political power.

“Women are not in direct competition with their male counterparts, but only want to complement each other. It suffices to say, women are beginning to occupy sensitive positions of authority, though the percentage is still low, especially in politics. ”

Omo-Ojeonu added: ” The 2020 International Women ‘s Day is very remarkable as it marks the Silver Jubilee of the Beijing Declaration on Affirmation Action for Women, which laid a visionary framework for women’s rights and empowerment.”