Abuja, December 5, 2023: Beatrice Eyong, the United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, clarified on Monday that the call for gender equality does not involve challenging men for their positions. Speaking at the UN Women Nigeria Media Partners Conference 2023 in Abuja, Eyong emphasized that the focus is on providing equal opportunities for all genders without displacing men from their roles.
“We are not talking about women taking over men’s positions but providing equal opportunities to women, just as men, removing the inequalities that block people from progressing,” she stated.
Addressing the theme of the conference, ‘Escalating media action for women’s empowerment and ending violence against women and girls,’ Eyong urged the media to play a pivotal role in ending gender-based violence and promoting women’s empowerment and equality.
Highlighting the impact of gender inequality on Nigeria’s progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Eyong stressed the importance of achieving a 35 per cent affirmative action to foster development in the country.
The traditional ruler, Enechi Ekuma IV Okposi Kingdom in Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, Onyie Agwu, echoed support from Nigeria’s traditional institutions for empowering women, lifting them out of poverty, and combating gender-based violence. He reassured the conference of the backing from traditional leaders across Africa in these efforts.
