By
Gloria Abutu
Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Wunfe Anthony has called for investment in women and girls to drive socioeconomic development.
She made the call on Thursday during a Press briefing as part of activities to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Wunfe Anthony said International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8th March, is an opportunity to recognize and honor the achievements of women globally and inspire action on gender equality.
She also stressed the need for education of the girl child, and called for prioritization of the needs of women and girls in the society.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, Anthony said Investing in women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move for societal progress.
“Investing in women and girls is a collective work, so I urge everyone to put all hands on deck and together, we will celebrate progress,” she said.
The Commissioner added that women often play crucial roles in family and community well-being, hence empowering them promotes healthier communities, contributes to closing gender gaps, accelerating progress and building a more resilient, inclusive and equitable future.
According to her, “if we invest in women, be it educationally, politically , economically, etc, the whole nation will experience accelerated progress.”
The Director Women, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Anna Alahira who appreciated all stakeholders for their partnership in advancing the cause of women, expressed commitment of the Ministry to fighting Gender Based Violence and upholding the rights of women in the state.
She said,”if we invest in our women, they get involved; they are empowered and even Gender Based Violence will reduce.”
Programmes lined up for this year’s celebration which begins from Thursday 7th to Saturday 10th March are Juma’at prayers; Road Walk, Talk on Importance of Women in Leadership; Dinner with the First Lady; a Town Hall hall meeting on Women Peace and Security and Prayers in churches.