As the world marks the 2013 International Women’s Day, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Patience Goodluck Jonathan has urged the removal of hindrances to the progress and development of women and the girl-child in the country.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Ayo Osinlu, Mrs. Jonathan felicitated with women across the country and praised the women who have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s progress.
Describing Nigerian women as “heroines” of the nation, Mrs. Jonathan paid tribute to their strength and resourcefulness.
She further encouraged the women to continue to use their positions as peace-makers and bridge-builders to work for the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians.
Mrs. Jonathan also expressed her gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for being gender-sensitive and making good his electoral promises by appointing 13 female Ministers into his cabinet.
This, according to the First Lady, is the largest appointment of female ministers in the history of Nigeria.
She commended the United Nations for the appropriate choice of the theme for this year, “A Promise is a Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women”, describing it as a global reminder of the urgency required in the crusade to eradicate all forms of violence against women in all places.
March 8 of every year is set aside as International Women’s Day, to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide.