Gender Inequality: Nigeria Ranked 118 in Global Index
Gender Inequality: Nigeria Ranked 118 in Global Index
The Spotlight Initiative has revealed that Nigeria is 118 out of the 134 countries on the Gender Equality Index, stating that African’s giant is characterized by gender inequality in all areas of human development.
Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), the initiative was to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by the year 2030.
According to the Spotlight representative Yemisi Adebola Nathaniel, the challenges of gender inequality trending in Nigeria include; inadequate inclusion of women and girls perspectives in policy making decisions, resource allocation and implementation in economic and social sectors.
Nathaniel disclosed this while speaking during a local theatre engagement to strengthen the capacity of some selected faith and culture organizations as well as women and youth groups, media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Adamawa State.
The event which was organized by Spotlight Initiative in partnership with EU and UN implemented by Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and Hope and Rural Aid Foundation (HARAF) was to improve the human and institutional agency to advance progress in the fight against gender inequality.
Nathaniel stated that Negative social norms which condone or support violence against women and girls and harmful practices remain pervasive.
She added that Gender Based Violence is widespread and 30% of women aged 15-49 have reported experiences of sexual abuse.
“The efforts are to achieve gender equality and women empowerment. It is the world’s largest targeted effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, an official of WRAPA Bibiana Adams, explained that the organization was targeting key players for the achievement of a systematic shift in VAWG/SGBV/HP and the intervention focused on building capacity of both individual and organizations to influence and act across state and non-state actors.
Key interventions includes enhancement of project management skills, facilitating constructive and result based dialogue and convening, communicating for impact and advocacy, adapting in alternative solutions and effective coordination.
This is all aimed at improving the human and institutional agency to advance progress in VAWG/SGBV/HP that ensures provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health services, she said.
In his presentation on Art of public speaking as a tool for effective advocacy, Communication consultant to the programme Dr Muhammad Adamu Dodo said the essence of advocacy was to pass a message through informing, persuading and entertaining.
To achieve the desired result of advocacy, one must be prepared, practice, and perform. Advocacy is generally directed at policymakers including politicians, government officials, and public servants, he said.
Gender Inequality: Nigeria Ranked 118 in Global Index
