Abuja-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Plan International Nigeria, has called for a national budget that prioritises the needs of women and girls. The organisation made this call at a roundtable session held in Abuja to commemorate International Women's Day. The session, which brought together experts and stakeholders, aimed to promote inclusive legislation and ensure the rights of women and girls are protected.
The organisation's representatives noted that women and girls continue to face significant barriers in accessing education, economic opportunities, leadership positions, and protection from harm. They emphasised the need for a national budget that reflects the needs of women and girls, arguing that this is essential for advancing their rights and wellbeing. The organisation also stressed the importance of continuous awareness and advocacy for public investments that translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.
A Nigerian connection exists in this story as it highlights the need for inclusive legislation and the importance of promoting the rights of women and girls in Nigeria. The theme of this year's International Women's Day, "Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls," underscores the need for collective action to address the systemic barriers that limit the full participation of women and girls in governance, education, and decision-making processes.
The outcome of this roundtable session is expected to inform the development of policies and legislation that promote the rights and wellbeing of women and girls in Nigeria. The organisation will continue to engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard in policy-making processes.
The call for a gender-inclusive national budget is a step in the right direction, but it requires sustained efforts to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. The Nigerian government must prioritise the needs of women and girls in its budgetary allocations to address the systemic barriers that limit their participation in governance, education, and decision-making processes. The theme of this year's International Women's Day serves as a reminder that collective action is necessary to advance the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
