IWD: Women Make Significant Contributions To The Economy When Empowered – Folaranmi Esan
Mrs Folaranmi Esan, a Primary and Special Needs expert, has called for a world free of biases, stereotypes, and discrimination against women.
Esan said that this would make for a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive for women to thrive.
Esan spoke at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, International Women’s Day celebration.
“A world where difference is valued and celebrated. As women together, we can forge women’s equality.
“Investing in women is not only a moral imperative. When we invest in women, we accelerate progress on multiple fronts.
“In economic growth, women make significant contributions to the economy when empowered.
“Diverse perspectives drive innovation. By supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders, we bring fresh ideas to the table, leading to more creative solutions and advancements across industries’’.
According to Esan, closing the gender gaps is essential as investing in women is crucial for achieving gender equality.
“Closing gender gaps in education, employment, and leadership positions not only promotes fairness and social justice but also unlocks vast untapped potential for global progress,” she said.
Esan added that investing in women wasn’t just the right thing to do, but was also the smart thing to do.
“ By empowering women economically, socially, and politically, we can accelerate progress towards a more equitable and prosperous world for all,” she said.
In her remarks, the Curator of National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, said that the 2024 IWD theme was apt to posit that women are catalysts to development.
Otuka stressed the need to promote as well as invest in women with a view to accelerating the progress of society.
“Women’s positive contributions to human race in the past, present and in the near future are worth amplifying.
“ This is to project the pious estate as well as accord them with respect, statutory rights, and privileges which they deserve.
“Let’s remember and put on record notable contributions of women to the development of the world economy and their inalienable rights despite all odds,” she said.
The curator added that the role of women in the history of the world could not be overemphasised.
“Apart from being homemakers, and backbone to their husbands, they are also great support for the family, which, of course, is the basic unit of society.
“This underscores the fact that we are to be cherished, cared for, protected by all, and honored by our gender counterparts for our beauty, integrity, agility, and divinely ascribed virtues.
“Therefore, any form of abuse, dishonor, misrepresentation, and misplaced priority must be properly addressed and redressed without looking back,” she said.
