Kemi Busari
In commemoration of the 2016 International Women’s Day, Beautiful Eves of Africa Organisation (BEAFRO), non-governmental organisation has called on both genders to support the fight against all forms of women’s rights violations.
The organisation also argued for the promotion of women and girl-child education, vibrant women economic empowerment and women involvement in decision making and governance.
This call is contained in a press release signed by the founder of the organisation, Okere Scholarstica Ngozi in celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme; Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for gender equality.
According to the release, the effect of the insurgency in the north-east have ‘inflicted severe economic devastation, emotional and psychological trauma on the affected women.
“Apart from the insurgency, many women and young girls across the country have also suffered other forms of human rights abuses such as rapes, domestic violations, women economic deprivations and so on.”
Noting that most of these may not be initiated by the women but by the male counterparts, BEAFRO urged Nigerians to ‘Just take one step to Step It Up for Gender Equality for the actualization of “Planet 50-50 by 2030.”
“We call on all stakeholders; government, private sectors, international and local partners, and other civil society organizations to key into all programmes and policies aim at empowering the woman and girl child. As we all mark the International women’s day today, let us make the world a comfort zone for all women.”
BEAFRO is a non-political NGO which focuses on the development of the women, youth and children within Nigeria and Africa. The organisation engages in peace advocacy, conflict management, health programs and humanitarian works.