IIt’s been 2days since International Women’s Day, but the thoughts, feelings, and inspiration of this annual celebration are still very present in our minds. The past years have been a true testament to the strength, capability, and power of women. It has also shown that, yes, we have more work to do. We have noticed and seen more and more women supporting each other in many different capacities both in personal life and in professional life.
International Women’s Day has also helped us to reflect on the changing female role in society and our momentous social, economic, and political achievements. It is a day to also appreciate women who have taught us, led us, and influenced us to live to our fullest potential. In celebration of this noble day, organizations around the world organized events focused on themes that reflect the local, national, and global gender issues relevant to their work and contexts.
WThe global community is increasingly aware that educating girls and women helps the whole of humanity, with women empowerment linked to the alleviation of a host of serious problems facing the world such as poverty, war and the environment. As Hillary Clinton said at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, “human rights are women’s rights … and women’s rights are human rights.”
We are proud of women who have risen against all odds even in the male dominated profession, women such as Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Group Managing Director, Rose of Sharon Group, Mrs. Demuren, First female Director, Central Bank of Nigeria. Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Engr. Sandra Aguebo(Lady Mechanic) to mention a few
Here at Joan Agha Foundation, we are passionate about women development and empowerment through our various interventions aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs to be financially self sustainable and with the just concluded International Women’s Day, what better way to recollect and share some of the great strides women all over the continent have made.
In India, Meenakshi Arora, A senior counsel at the Supreme Court of India, has her fair share of contribution in ensuring that the rights of women in India are upheld and challenging the status quo for gender equality. In Nigeria, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili , She was a co-founder of Transparency International, serving as one of the pioneer directors of the global anti-corruption body based in Berlin, Germany will stop at nothing to ensure accountability in governance to mention a few.
It is so encouraging to have women role models. We are reminded every day that women can do anything. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with and can BE BOLD FOR CHANGE.