GLOBAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY.

International Women’s Day is marked on every March eight to raise awareness on the need for gender equality in areas of business and politics.

It also aims at celebrating women’s achievements and contributions to national development.

The day which was first observed in Australia, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland since March 19, 1911, was designated to close the persisting gap existing between men and women globally.

According to the World Economic Forum, violence towards women is still on the increase than that meted on men.

It further stated that the gender gap would not close until 2186.

To mark the day, women around the world are to participate in talk shows, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches to promote gender equality.

Meanwhile, as the global community celebrates the day, the Chief of UNICEF, Enugu field office, Mr. Charles Nzuki has reminded leaders in Africa that women can contribute more meaningfully to humanity, if given qualitative education, good healthcare and equal opportunities in work places.

Mr. Nzuki while appreciating women’s contributions to socio-economic, cultural and political development of countries, explained that more women needed to be empowered economically, to live above poverty line.

He said that despite advancements in modern medicine, many women and children still suffer from diseases owing to poor access to basic necessities of life, including descent housing, good food, portable water and sanitation.

The Dean, Faculty of social sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Professor Chinyere Okunna, described women’s contribution to the advancement of humanity as landmark.

Professor Okunna strongly canvassed for equal opportunity for women to aspire to any political office of the land as contained in the Beijing declaration and platform for action.

In her submission, the Enugu State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji emphasized on the need to sensitize women, especially those in the rural areas on democratic tenets and civic responsibilities.

Appreciating women for the roles they play in families, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, posited that the nation would gain immensely from the resourcefulness of women.

Also, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Enugu State chapter has called on women to be agents of change in the society irrespective of the economic challenges.

The Chairperson of the Association, Comrade Ifeoma Amuta in a message to women on the occasion of International  Women’s Day advised them to always pursue peace and love as well as engage in activities that would help in developing the society.

Comrade Amuta frowned against rampant cases of gender based violence and increased cases of rape while advising women to be modest in dressing.

The association during its congress on Monday, held a special lecture on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Be bold for change, women in a changing world of works, planet fifly fifty by 2030” called on women to join hands with the federal government to fight corruption  in the country.

EVELYN AWUNOR