Sanusi calls for gender balance

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has advocated a review of all work place conditions that militate against women saying more women are being marginalised and discriminated against by employers of labour in both the government and private sector.

Addressing a gathering at the official presentation of a report on gender in Nigeria commissioned by the British council in Abuja, Mr Sanusi, who co-chaired the compilation of the report, noted women urgently need educational and economic empowerment.

He challenged men to allow their wives remain at work in order to contribute to the economic growth of their family and the nation as he decried the increasing marginalisation of women at all levels saying there is a need to review working conditions that are against women.

The Minister of Women affairs, Zainab Maina, who received the report, observed that women have been badly battered by poverty caused by lack of education and poor access to quality healthcare. This she added has increased cases of maternal and child mortality.

With the presentation of the report, women appealed for an urgent action by the government at all levels to ameliorate the condition of women. This position was supported by the executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.

The report provides a comprehensive view of gender in Nigeria as it identified gender and inequality of opportunities and poverty among many issues militating against the advancement of women.

The report recommends policies to improve the lives of women and girls and identifies priorities for action.