French Embassy Partners LASG, UNILAG to Tackle Gender Inequality
Peace Obi
In the spirit of collective action in the campaign against gender inequality, the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos on Thursday March 8, 2018, saw the convergence of diplomats, government officials, academics, Nollywood, students, men and women from all walks of life in commemoration of this year's International Women's Day (IWD). The panelists shared their views on the theme, ‘Gender Expectations and Unequal Power Relationships in the Nigerian Society’ and was moderate by Tabia Princewill.
Welcoming the participants to the 2018 IWD celebration, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said that the institution of higher learning is committed to the course of women empowerment through quality education and training that ultimately weakens the forces that fan the embers of gender disparities around the world.
The Deputy VC, who was represented by Dr. Abigail Ogwezzy noted that given available statistics, Nigeria still has a long way to go in realising gender parity in the country.
According to her, "40 per cent of Nigerian women are said to be entrepreneurs, the highest in the world. Yet, most of them are small and medium business owners in an economy driven by men." Adding that the inequality between men and women in Nigeria is further reflected in the lower number of women elected into the present National Assembly - a decline from what was achieved in 2011.
Ogunsola recommended that education be prioritised, especially for women and that Nigeria can learn from Rwanda's experience. "Rwanda has an improved number of women in positions of leadership. The country has made tremendous improvement. They prioritise education for women. Nigeria women can learn from this," Ogunsola said.
The French Consul General, Laurent Polonceaux speaking with THISDAY said that the French Embassy was deliberate in its partnership with the Lagos State Government and UNILAG. According to the diplomat, it is part of the country's efforts geared at changing the world's perception about women. And to ensure that women all over the world are not denied their rights. "The target is just to change the vision of the woman in the society, be it in Nigeria or in French. Around the world, 52 per cent of humanity are women. When you see the difference in jobs, treatment in education, in health that exist between men and women, you will realise that there is a long way to go. And even if there is progress, there is still a long way to change things," Polonceaux said.