United States Consul General F. John Bray has called for increased investment in the education of the girl-child and women’s political participation in Nigeria.
John Bray made the call while delivering the keynote address on the second day of the 17th Annual Conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), in Lagos.
Bray also encouraged women leaders to continue to work to promote gender equality in Nigeria.
Bray lamented that Nigeria is reportedly home to the largest number of out of school children in the world, many of the girls.
“If Nigeria properly invested in the education of women and girls, how many more Amina Mohammeds will represent this country on the world stage?
“If more women and girls are given equal opportunities, how many more Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies will be able to tell stories that enthral the world?” Consul General Bray asked.
Noting that removing the barriers to women’s full economic participation is key to an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria, he challenged the conference participants to press for greater involvement by women in the nation’s politics.
Bray said the current political order in Nigeria does not offer enough opportunities for women.
He added that low female participation in politics must change if issues of concern to women are to rise in prominence and draw the interest and resources that they deserve.
Menu