Group to hold discussions on harnessing Nigerian women’s potential
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Eko, has scheduled a stakeholders’ discussion on harnessing the potential of the Nigerian woman and girl-child in Lagos.
The JCI Eko President, Mr Gafar Odubote, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
Odubote said the symposium would be organised as part of the group’s activities to mark its 19th anniversary and the 2019 International Women’s Day aimed at empowering Nigerian women.
“The burden faced by women as a result of the multiplicity of the roles they play in the society is a major barrier to women’s economic, social and academic empowerment.
“Though the condition of women seem to have improved in recent years, some barriers are still imminent on the path of the girl-child.
“The societal demands on this gender has confined women to the private sphere and inhibited more from venturing into other economic enterprises.
“Hence JCI Eko, as part of its activities commemorating its 19th anniversary and in tandem with the 2019 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Balance for Better,’ has organised a discussion session with women in focus.
“The discussion, scheduled on March 3, 2019 at the ETAL Hotels and Halls, Ikeja, Lagos tagged “Breaking the Gender Barrier: harnessing the positive power of women and girls,” is aimed at boosting the potential of women in Nigeria,” Odubote said.
The JCI Eko president said the aim of the group was to positively change the narrative of Nigerian women.
He urged women to believe in their potential beyond the home front.
“One of our main targets as an organisation is to inspire women and girls in maximising their potential which is also to advance SDG 5.
“As a strong advocate of gender equality, we believe awareness on girl-child marriage and engaging stakeholders will be achieved by ensuring an inclusive society.
“The conversation about gender is dynamic, reflecting different culture of how people feel and express their own gender identity.
“The Narrative of Nigerian women can be improved if women start believing in themselves and live beyond the negative side of an inherited culture.
“Our organisation has in the past collaborated with the ministry of women affairs in organising symposia for women on leadership positions in all spheres.
“JCI Eko is at the forefront of NGOs supporting the ‘ChildNotBride’ campaign and in 2018, we had a stakeholder’s discussion on it by engaging local communities,” he said. (NAN)
