By Blessing Etim
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi has decried the high rate at which societies and countries consistently deprive the female gender from accessing basic human rights and privileges. Isopi maintained that standing up in defense for human rights–and then women’s rights, should be a priority for all countries as well as individuals.
The EU Ambassador said this at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on 8th March, 2022, during the presentation of ‘OMG – The Musical’, a Play woven around gender inequality and underrepresentation of women in leadership positions to commemorate the International Women’s Day.
“Women’s rights are human rights. Women are making progress from where we were decades ago. But despite that progress, gender inequality and violations of women’s rights remain real and tangible and continue to hold us back. They deprive us of our basic rights and opportunities, they deprive our countries, our societies of opportunities. This is true in Nigeria and across the world.The unfortunate fate suffered by the Gender Bills in the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s Constitution is particularly worrisome and reminds us of the enormous challenges we continue to face.
However the European Union stays committed to promoting gender equality at all levels”. She affirmed.
Also speaking, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, expressed gratitude to the Ambassador, being the first EU Ambassador to Nigeria, for constantly showing support to Nigerian women through thick and thin.
“Since Friday, the EU Ambassador has been showcasing how gender sensitive the EU has been so far. The EU delegation is setting the pace and we are happy in Nigeria to have you. We can see that you are indeed a dear sister who has taken upon yourself to stand in the obstacle and dark times, as your presence this morning at the National Assembly really gave hope and strength to Nigeria Women.”
Dame further said that though Nigeria women are going through a lot at the moment, there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
“We are not giving up, we will keep pushing until we change the mindset of those who do not believe in women participation in governance”. She added.
