In a congratulatory message to all Nigerian Women as they celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day , President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that gender barriers are broken in the country.
Speaking in line with this year’s theme, “A Promise is a Promise: Time For Action To End Violence Against Women” which was chosen by the United Nations, President Jonathan stated that he had already taken steps to empower Nigerian women.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Reuben Abati, the President revealed that he had already acted on his promise to break gender barriers citing women in key positions approved by his administration, citing the appointment of the first female Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar.
He also cited the female ministers in “very important ministries” such as Finance, Petroleum, Communications Technology, Education, Water Resources, Housing, Environment, Power, Defence and the Federal Capital Territory.
He also noted his authorizing the admission of women to the Nigerian Defence Academy and their commissioning as combatants in the Armed Forces.
“The President assures Nigerian women that he is determined to take their empowerment a step forward by working to ensure that they also get better representation in elective offices in future” the statement read.
He also pledged the federal government’s full support for “COMMIT”– the new United Nations initiative which calls on leaders worldwide to take a stand to end violence against women and girls.
The International Women’s Day is slated for every 8th of March.
