By Ruby Leo
Various stakeholders have called for deliberate and sustainable policies that will cushion the effects of climate change on women and children in Nigeria.
The stakeholders were speaking at the inter-generational dialogue in commemoration of the International women month 2022, themed, “Generation Equality dialogue on women leadership on feminist action for climate action.
UN Women country representative, Ms Comfort Lamptey noted that as a country it was necessary to prioritize issues of women so as to deliver and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to her women are already bedeviled with various challenges not limited to gender based violence, reproductive health issues and unfortunately are now made to confront the ever changing faces of climate change.
Lamptey who was addressing the audience before she moved to her new posting said that it was imperative to recognize the role of women as leaders in driving partnership that would force action for the achievement of the SDGs.
The United Nations (UN) resident coordinator to Nigeria, Matthias Schmale in his goodwill message noted that women need to be at the fore front of the discussion to tackle issues of gender equality, men obstacles as well as ensure credible leadership to drive the initiatives.
“women must be at the front and center, lets all unite for the common goal”, he said.
Meanwhile Hon Abike Dabiri lamented that women can easily be identified as the larger population adding that despite their large numbers no significant impact is being witnessed in the lives of these women and girls.
“things are getting tougher for women as they are now confronted with the issues of climate change, we need to find solutions that are sustainable and change the narrative”.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, who represented the minister of women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen drummed support for equal opportunities for all genders especially women.
“We wonder why despite their large numbers we still have only low enrolment in the Airforce, Army and Navy”, he said.
Describing it as unacceptable Adebiyi, he noted that the country has lost a lot of brains due to these bias perpetuated by the society.
Proferring solutions, he said, “we need to cultivate the attitude of mentorship, those who are doing well need to mentor the ones that are coming behind them.
The Founder of Wellbeing Foundation, Toyin Saraki said the challenges of climate change has made is more difficult to create a safer world or space for women and girls.