The Need for Increased Investments in Women

In this report, Ugo Aliogo writes on the need for increased investment and empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria in line with global call to achieve gender parity

The theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl was “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” The theme is a clarion call to invest in the empowerment of girls, enabling them to become leaders and advocates for their own well-being.

The United Nations holds the annual International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and highlight gender inequalities all over the world.

In Nigeria, the efforts of women led Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and interest groups have played a major role in increasing representation of women at leadership and executive positions in corporate organisations. However, inequalities persist, with women and girls systematically being denied the same rights as men and boys. Sexual exploitation, disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination from public life and politics office all remain huge barriers that women and girls face.

Global Gender Gap Index

According to the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) report, the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index states that no country has yet achieved full gender parity, although the top nine countries (Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia and Lithuania) have closed at least 80 percent of their gap.

The report explained that for 14 years running, Iceland (91.2percent) takes the top position, adding that it also continues to be the only country to have closed more than 90percent of its gender gap.

The report remarked that the global top five is completed by three other Nordic countries – Norway (87.9 percent 2nd), Finland (86.3percent, 3rd) and Sweden (81.5percent, 5th) – with one country from East Asia and the Pacific – New Zealand (85.6percent, 4th) – ranked 4th.

The report averred that from Europe; Germany (81.5percent) moves up to 6th place (from 10th); Lithuania (80.0. percent); returns to the top 10 economies, taking 9th place; and Belgium (79.6 percent); joins the top 10 for the first time in 10th place. One country from Latin America (Nicaragua, 81.1percent); and one from Sub-Saharan Africa (Namibia, 80.2 percent); – complete this year’s top 10, taking the 7th and 8th positions, respectively.

It added that the two countries that drop out of the top 10 in 2023 are Ireland (79.5 percent,11th, down from 9th in 2022) and Rwanda (79.4 percent, 12th, down from 6th).

According to the report, “In Sub-Saharan Africa’s parity score is the sixth highest among the eight regions at 68.2 percent, ranking above Southern Asia and the Middle East and North Africa. Progress in the region has been uneven. Namibia, Rwanda and South Africa, along with 13 other countries, have closed more than 70 percent of the overall gender gap. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Chad are the lowest-performing countries, with scores below 62 percent. Based on the constant sample, this marks a marginal improvement of 0.1 percentage points. At the current rate of progress, it will take 102 years to close the gender gap in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

AAN Angle

One of the International Non-Governmental Organisations that has been at the forefront of championing the cause of women and girl, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) stated that Nigerian-girls holds immense significance because it aligns with the organisation’s unapologetic bias in championing the rights of women and girls.

The ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the socio-economic and cultural landscape of the country often fails to align in their favour, adding that the pervasive issue of insecurity continues to cast a dark shadow over the education of young girls in Nigeria.

He further explained that in the last eight years, more than 1,000 children have been abducted, with at least 80 percent of them being girls, noting that this alarming trend emphasises the urgent need for all tiers of government to prioritise the safety of girls not only within the confines of school walls, but also in their communities and on their journeys to school.

He remarked that despite the global outcry after the abduction of the Chibok girls, it is disheartening that after almost a decade, more than 90 of them are still unaccounted for.

He averred that similar incidents have plagued different parts of the country, in Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna States and others, with abductions often occurring within the school environment, “how much longer can we stand by while our girls’ futures are jeopardized.”

The Country Director said: “Poverty and child marriage are also bedveiling the education of Nigeria-girls. The report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that six out of 10 girls aged 12–17 is poor. Among those in child marriages, approximately 8 out of 10 are poor. In the same light, UNICEF’s report highlights that three in 25 young men are get married in childhood, while an alarming 10 in 25 women are married off before the age of 18, often to partners ten or more years their senior.

“The challenge is that five States – Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, and Zamfara States- are yet to adopt and implement the Child’s Rights Act (CRA). This glaring nonchalance to the CRA leaves countless Nigerian children, especially girls, exposed to rights violations, denying them the protections they rightfully deserve. Some of those entrusted with safeguarding these rights are, regrettably, the very perpetrators of these violations, particularly in cases of child marriage.

“Without concerted collaboration between Federal and State Governments and lawmakers to dismantle barriers hindering the progress of Nigerian girls, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 5 – Gender Equality, will be a prolonged endeavour. The continued insecurity faced by our girls has far-reaching and detrimental effects on their lives and well-being. This includes the disruption of their education, psychological trauma, exposure to physical health risks, and a general undermining of their rights.

“Development partners and legislators should advocate for policies that specifically address the unique security concerns faced by girls, including safe transportation options and secure learning environment.

“ActionAid Nigeria demands that the Federal and State Governments must wholeheartedly embrace and enforce measures that shield our children from harm. The domestication of the Child’s Rights Act in every state should not be a mere option, but an absolute imperative.

“Law enforcement agencies must begin to work collaboratively with different levels of government, education agencies and ministry to track and apprehend perpetrators of abductions and other security threats. This include seeking regional and international cooperation in addressing insecurity, particularly in regions prone to abductions and related security threats or close to borders to create a coordinated approach to security.

“The National Orientation Agency should launch extensive awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about the importance of school safety and the collective role they play in achieving it. Schools must implement programmes that equip girls with essential safety skills and knowledge to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. They must also stablish accessible channels for girls who have experienced trauma because of insecurity to receive professional counseling and support.”

Also lending a voice to the issue of increased empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria, is the Embassy of Finland in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the embassy, Trade Officer, Embassy of Finland Nigeria, Ms. Adeliina Suihko, said girls’ represent not only half of the population but also half of “our potential.”

She explained that is Finland is often cited as a global leader in gender equality, offers some valuable lessons on how to empower girls and promote their rights.

Suihko remarked that equality for the girl child matters because Girls, like boys, deserve every opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations, while calling on government and agencies concerned to invest in girls’ education and well-being, “we are not only investing in their future, but also in the future of our societies.”

She hinted that educated and empowered girls become women who contribute significantly to the workforce, to politics, to innovation, and to the overall well-being of their communities.

In her words: “In Finland, gender equality is a fundamental principle. The country has consistently ranked high in gender equality indices, and it demonstrates how important policies can shape a society. One of Finland’s standout policies is its commitment to equal educational opportunities. Finnish schools emphasize gender-neutral teaching methods and provide a supportive environment for all students, irrespective of their gender. This not only helps girls excel academically but also fosters their self-confidence. In addition, we do not have girl schools and boy schools, we have only schools for all.

“Additionally, Finland promotes gender diversity in leadership positions. By having women in influential roles, girls have visible role models to aspire to, breaking stereotypes and inspiring them to reach their full potential. This inclusivity is crucial for building a society where every girl child knows she has a place at the table. Last government we had was led by five women, some of them being rather young as well.

“The Day of the Girl Child reminds us of the importance of equality and the potential that lies within every girl. As we celebrate this day, let us remember that when we invest in girls, we invest in a brighter and more equal future for all. Let us commit ourselves to creating a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive and make her mark on the world.

“Before my diplomatic career, I have worked in many NGO’s and been active in the civil society sector in Finland. I have a message for each one of you. You can change the world. Find a cause that you feel like is important to you and go towards working with that. One thing that is often said while speaking of the youth is that young people are the future. What I used to answer to that, was, that we are here already. We, you, are not only future, you are already today.”

Gender Equality in Finland

A report stated that citizens of Finland have good reason to be proud of gender equality in their country, which ranked second in the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, but much work remains to be done, adding that for instance, only 25 percent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) employees in Finland are women. While that is a greater percentage than in many European countries, therefore there is an urgent need to increase women in the software industry.

The Programme Director, Mimmit koodaa, Milja Köpsi, said equality issue which is important for their society to address, because it is a problem for businesses.

She also stated that there is a need for additional workers in the industry, which can be solved by bringing more experts into the field.

She said they unravel the stereotype that you need to be a man to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which she noted that it is simply not true, adding that they like to tell the stories of women who changed their lives and careers.

In her words: “It is important that we see women in technology. We see superstars like Linda Liukas, but we also need to see women from our circles – our friends and family – who are working in technology.”

It is noteworthy to state here that the work done by Mimmit koodaa is important for narrowing the gender pay gap, enhancing the economic security of women and non-binary people, ensuring a diverse and talented workforce and preventing biases in the software developed by the industry.

It also makes good business sense. A major study from the International Labour Organisation found that a diverse workforce improves creativity, innovation, reputation and profits.