IWD: Gombe Govt Prioritises Women – Commissioner
Chima Azubuike
Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Naomi Awak, on Wednesday said women in the state are prioritised in the scheme of things.
Awak made this disclosure in an address on the commemoration of International Women’s Day.
Our Correspondent reports that 2023 theme is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality.”
According to her, Women and girls, in all their diversities, have the fundamental right to live free from violence and to have agency over their bodies and lives, both offline and in virtual spaces.
The Commissioner said, “At this point, permit me to assure you of the commitment of the Ministry and the Government of Gombe State under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya “the First Dan Majen of Gombe” and our amiable and humble mother; Her Excellency Hajiya Dr. Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya “Giwar Dan Majen Gombe” for ensuring that women are accorded their rightful place and position in Gombe State.
“Women shall henceforth take Centre position in Digital Technology and Innovation and other key developmental drive sectors by empowering them economically and have informed choices on matters that affects them in our society. Let me also commend out CSO’s and CBO’s working in the state around gender mainstreaming across public and private interventions as well as gender relative policy review.”
While urging residents to support Governor Yahaya ahead of the gubernatorial election, adding that “Let me use this medium and appeal to our Gombe State Women to come out in mass and vote His Excellency come 18th March, 2023 to enable him continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Gombe State.”
Enumerating the essence of technology, innovation and gender equality, Awak noted that it would yield the needed development.
“Technology holds endless possibilities. It has the power to expand networks, opportunities, and minds. In our increasingly technological world, digital access, literacy and skills are imperative for everything from livelihoods to education, to participation in civic life. Yet, technology is also increasingly misused and weaponised, with women and girls disproportionately targeted.
“The theme for the Year is apt and timely considering the Nigerian transition to cashless society where technology play a vital role and women particularly at the rural areas are largely relegated and put to unnecessary hardship amidst COVID-19 recovery actions. At this point I call on stakeholders at all levels to accelerate efforts in reaching out to women and advocate for digital literacy looking at its significance to our todays living,” the Commissioner added.
Full Text of Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development on 2023 IWD
Today being 8th March 2023 is a date set aside by the United Nations to commemorate International Women’s Day annually and Gombe State also joins the global train to deliver this briefing among other series of activities across state and non-state actors.
As you are aware, Women and girls, in all their diversities, have the fundamental right to live free from violence and to have agency over their bodies and lives, both offline and in virtual spaces.
The theme for this year is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality” which celebrate and recognises the contribution of the women and girls committed to building gender-responsive innovations and advancing innovation and digital technology.
You believe with me, Technology holds endless possibilities. It has the power to expand networks, opportunities, and minds. In our increasingly technological world, digital access, literacy and skills are imperative for everything from livelihoods to education, to participation in civic life. Yet, technology is also increasingly misused and weaponised, with women and girls disproportionately targeted.
The theme for the Year is apt and timely considering the Nigerian transition to cashless society where technology play a vital role and women particularly at the rural areas are largely relegated and put to unnecessary hardship amidst COVID-19 recovery actions. At this point I call on stakeholders at all levels to accelerate efforts in reaching out to women and advocate for digital literacy looking at its significance to our todays living.
Women and girls are shapers of an equal future. The more they are included in the creation of technology, the less vulnerable they will be – and the more all of society will benefit. Whether the intention behind new technologies is good or bad, when poorly designed tech meets gender inequality, harm can follow.
This can take the form of image-based abuse, extortion, harassment, hate speech, cyber bullying and dozing.
Technology is essential to advancing gender equality. When women and girls can access and use technology safely, they can amplify their voices and exercise their agency and autonomy – giving them a platform that can transform their future – and ours.As you may recall vividly, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development partners with relevant Donor agencies and State Ministry of science, Technology and Innovation in the state in ensuring gender mainstreaming in their digital literacy trainings and innovations among other areas of interest, all in an attempt to ensure women are given enabling environment to attain their full potentials in digital circle and beyond.
At this point, permit me to assure you of the commitment of the Ministry and the Government of Gombe State under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya “the First Dan Majen of Gombe” and our amiable and humble mother; Her Excellency Hajiya Dr. Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya “Giwar Dan Majen Gombe” for ensuring that women are accorded their rightful place and position in Gombe State. Women shall henceforth take Centre position in Digital Technology and Innovation and other key developmental drive sectors by empowering them economically and have informed choices on matters that affects them in our society. Let me also commend out CSO’s and CBO’s working in the state around gender mainstreaming across public and private interventions as well as gender relative policy review.
Let me use this medium and appeal to our Gombe State Women to come out in mass and vote His Excellency come 11th March, 2023 to enable him continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Gombe State.
Once again, thank you all for being part of this great move to commemorate this historic day in our dear State.
God bless Gombe State!
