President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria with more commitment of his administration to end gender-based violence and increase learning opportunities for girls, in safe and conducive environments.
President Tinubu gave the assurance on Monday during the launch of organisation of African First Ladies for Development OAFLAD, #WeAreEqual Campaign, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
The President also assured of his government’s willingness to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women’s rights, and invest in girls’ education and skills development, while it also creating economic opportunities that are accessible to all.
The Nigerian Leader said these measures will enable more women to succeed in different vocations and properly shape their future endeavours, from politics to engineering, science, technology, sports and the creative economy.
He emphasised the place of empowerment of women and girls saying it is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“We must be conscious of the fact that the empowerment of women and girls is essential to achieving each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Quality Education
President Tinubu restated that no Nigerian child is excluded from a quality education that will prepare women and girls to lead and ensure positive changes in Nigerian communities.
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child.
“We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more peaceful society for all”.
#WeAreEqual Campaign, Eliminating Inequalities against Women
The President underscored the need for decisive actions to eliminate structural inequalities against women on the continent.
He said the launch of the #WeAreEqual campaign in Nigeria which focuses on “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change” is critical for Africa’s development if the continent is to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all.
He commended the African First Ladies for the campaign, urging for more mentorship to help girls embrace their cultural identities and traditions.
“As Africans, we believe in a wholesome society. We are family-oriented, and we value the collective well-being of all. It is our duty as parents and guardians to teach our girls our cherished cultural values and traditions. Africans are known for warm hospitality and generosity. Our can-do spirit also imbues us with the ability to thrive in challenging environments and circumstances. We are who we are. We are Africans.
The #WeAreEqual Campaign has been launched in 15 other African countries, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment and gender-based violence.
In Nigeria, the campaign was birthed with the reintroduction of the Alternative High School for Girls by the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The initiative offers a second chance to young girls who have dropped out of school to further their education and fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
The President made known that the foundation stone of one of the Alternative High schools was recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady.
“More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners.
“As governor of Lagos State, before I became President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, I witnessed firsthand, how societal challenges such as unwanted teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking and drug addiction can obstruct the promising future of young girls.
“Indeed, the reintroduction of Alternative High School for girls by the First Lady of Nigeria must have received inspiration from the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Lagos State during my tenure as governor.” President Tinubu added
