CPJ Rises in Defense of the Women
As part of its activities marking the 2017 International Women's Day (IWD), the members of Catalyst for Global Peace and Social Justice Initiative (CPJ), recently stormed the streets of Lagos on an enlightenment campaign, sensitising Nigerians on the need to stop every form of violence and discrimination against the women folks either in the home, work place, business and governance.
Stating that the IWD is a day women are celebrated all over the world, the Convener of the group, Catalyst Abraham Sam Aiyedogbon, hinted that it is also a day set aside to take a stand of positive action in defense of the women. Adding that it is a common knowledge that in many parts of the world that women are mistreated and their rights sometimes trampled upon. Aiyedogbon who called on government to walk its talk in tackling the problem of gender disparity in government appointments, policy and decision making processes in the country, urged government to empower and promote right and equal access for women to every deserved position and office just like their male counterparts. According to him, it is the belief of the CPJ that if women are in strategic places of authority, there would be less corruption in the society.
Stating that it is against common sense to discriminate and mistreat women, Aiyedogbon said that "every human being on earth was conceived and nurtured by a woman. Every president, governor, rich or poor was raised by a woman. When you mistreat women and deny them what is due them, the society and even the children cannot develop. But when we empower the women, support and promote their equal access to opportunities, we will see better development, better governance, and better society. So, this day, CPJ is standing with every other people of goodwill worldwide in defense of women; asking for equity and equality,” he said.
Speaking also, one of the coordinators of the group, Mr. Biyi Adekoya said that CPJ as champions of human rights and social justice is determined to make the voice of the women heard. And that as a course that enjoys international endorsement by the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS and other advocacy groups around the world, that CPJ is lending its voice to say enough is enough for every form of violence against the women folks.
According Adekoya, "We say no to any form of violence or discrimination, whether it is physical violence, domestic, psychological violence, or even violence against the girl-child. And that is what we stand for and that is why we are here. And because the United Nations stands against it, African Union and ECOWAS stand against it, we back them and we are saying it loud and clear that in every sphere of our society, there should be a consideration for equal opportunity for the women. In education, or in career line, the same opportunity given to men should be given to women, the opportunity given to young boys should be given to young girls."
Speaking on some cultures that sometimes relegate women to the background, Adekoya said that they are human made and are subject to change. "We are not saying that women are of the same strength with men; we are not saying that women have the same brain as men. Everybody is created uniquely and we are saying that let the women's uniqueness be celebrated and let no one discriminate against them. We need to celebrate the capacity of the woman to do beyond what man thinks he alone can do. She should be given the opportunity to express herself in fullness, she should be given the opportunity to be who God has created her to be,” Adekoya said.