TheCable

Nguvu Collective Change Leaders, a civil society organisation, has called on Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, to prioritise investment in women, as the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said Nigerian women have contributed to the growth and development of the country, adding that investing in them would spark change and facilitate a smooth transition to a safer and equal society.

The group urged the government to invest in women’s health by suspending customs duty on sanitary pads and other imported period products, in order to aid women and girls in Nigeria going through the current economic hardship.

The CSO highlighted some of the groups in Nigeria clamouring for improvement in the quality of lives of women, and urged the minister to take up some of the other causes.

“We wish you and everyone at the federal ministry of women’s affairs a happy International Women’s Day 2024. On this day, we celebrate the beautiful and resilient 108 million women across Nigeria for their invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the country,” the organisation said.

“Nguvu Collective Change Leaders is an ecosystem of change makers advocating and driving change in their communities on various issues.

“As we commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, we would like to make a passionate appeal to your good office to prioritize investment in Nigerian women, in line with this year’s IWD theme.

“Nigerian women are a critical demography of Nigeria that has contributed to the progress and development of Nigeria in all facets.

“This year’s Women’s day theme is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, and it reminds us that by investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all.”