Today we celebrate women, every female all around the world! This day is a time of reflection, change and celebration. We look back at the progress made so far, charge everyone to fight for change and celebrate the victories and tenacity of women. In various parts of the world, progress has been made…but like you see in your report cards at the end of a school term; “there is much room for improvement”.
The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is; I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights. This theme is related to the UN Women’s new multigenerational campaign, ‘Generation Equality’ and at large the SDGs Gender equality by 2030. We believe everyone has a role to play here. We urge you to take a stand and play your role on behalf of every woman in your life.
We celebrate Queen Amina of Zaria for her bravery, Funmilayo Ransom Kuti for her effective leadership, Buchi Emecheta for her courage and intelligence. We hail Agbani Darego for her brilliance and confidence, Dora Akunyili for her bravado, Ire Aderinokun, Mo Abudu and more! We celebrate all our unsung heroes who are fighting each day to attain equality, we say thank you for all your acts of service.
To all the good men fighting alongside and supporting women all day, every day, we thank you! We admonish all today, as you fight equality for women, do not fight at the detriment of the male gender. No one gets up and stays there by putting or dressing others down. Speak up, stand for your right and fight to be heard. Develop yourself, train the girl-child, sharpen your skills, be competent and equipped for opportunities that may come your way.
Happy International Women’s Day; You are Generation Equality.