PDP govs promise to put money into girls

State governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have pledged to invest more in women to advance progress in Nigeria.

The PDP Governors Forum, in a statement by its Director General, Cyril Maduabum, on Friday to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, charged leaders at all levels to address the gender gap to create the right environment for women to thrive.

International Women’s Day stands as a global occasion commemorating the achievements of women across social, economic, cultural, and political domains, while also advocating for gender equality.

This event sparks a myriad of activities worldwide, fostering community engagement to honor women’s accomplishments and advocate for their rights to equality.

Observed annually on March 8th, the official theme designated by the United Nations for this day is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’

The Forum’s Chairman, Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, and its member-governors, congratulated Nigerian women on the occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day.

The statement read in part, “International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 globally to honour them for their cultural, political, social and economic achievements regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, financial or political differences.

“In line with the theme of the 2024 celebration, the PDP-GF reassures all of its commitment to #InspireInclusion through policies and programmes that promote more participation of women in governance; whether on the ballot or in the places where decisions that affect them are made. This is part of the overall plan of PDP Governors to invest in women and accelerate Progress” through empowerment.

“The Forum notes that in building an equitable society, deliberate actions must be taken by the government at all levels to dismantle barriers that restrain women from attaining personal and professional goals, as well as addressing the gender gap to create the right environment for them to thrive.”

The PDP governors praised Nigerian women for serving as sources of optimism and embodiments of resilience within the nation.

It added, “As a responsive government, governors of the PDP have put several programmes in motion to empower women through education sponsorship, training, free or subsidised healthcare and other policies that support the protection of their rights and abolition of cultural practices that inhibit their growth and progress.

“On this 49th Women’s Day, we salute the resilient spirit of the Nigerian woman for being our beacons of hope and symbols of strength. We recognise their groundbreaking achievements in the arts, sports, the financial world, science, technology, engineering and other aspects of life and urge them to keep the flag flying.”