THISDAY

French Embassy Partners LASG, UNILAG to Tackle Gender Inequality

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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.

 ??  ?? L-R: Administra­tive Secretary Internatio­nal Relation Partnershi­p (IRP) UNILAG; Mr. Femi Keshinro, French Senator and Educationi­st; Senator Claudine Lepage, Nollywood actor, Rita Dominic; Lagos State Coordinato­r of the Domestic and Sexual Violence...
L-R: Administra­tive Secretary Internatio­nal Relation Partnershi­p (IRP) UNILAG; Mr. Femi Keshinro, French Senator and Educationi­st; Senator Claudine Lepage, Nollywood actor, Rita Dominic; Lagos State Coordinato­r of the Domestic and Sexual Violence...
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