GUSAU – The Zamfara State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdullahi Umar, on Tuesday in Gusau urged women in the country to struggle for their survival.
The state NLC chairman made the call while speaking at the 2014 International Women’s Day celebration, which was organised by the Zamfara chapter of the congress.
He said the day was set aside to celebrate women and inspire them to fight against degradation of all forms.
Umar said “going by the theme of the occasion, which is “Inspiring Change’’, women should focus on the betterment of their future.
“Women are future holders of national development, if objectively integrated into the socio-economic and political life of our great country.
“It is our duty to provide the enabling environment for women to aspire to positions in the scheme of things, so that they can contribute positively to the development of our country.’’
The Zamfara NLC chairman said government at all levels needed to provide massive support and encouragement to school girls who are brilliant in order to achieve their educational goals.
Umar said this was why the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Yari, had made some input in order to encourage women.
He said such input was in the distribution of household items, such as sewing machines, deep freezers, generators and others as loans to enhance women’s economic empowerment.
Also speaking at the occasion, wife of the state’s Deputy Speaker, Hajiya Hadiza Gummi, called on women to be more effective in all aspects.
“Even though there are improvements for women in the employment level, education and occupational representation, among other aspects of development, yet the gap remains wide,’’ she said.
Gummi said the day’s celebration was an opportunity for women all over the world to reflect on opportunities and challenges facing them.
“Such opportunities and challenges include insecurity, constant rape and lack of empowerment.
“I therefore appeal to women to wake up and seek knowledge which will enable them take the right decisions on any issue,’’ she said.(NAN)
