The Country Director of the United Nations Women, Dr Grace Ongile has challenged the Nigerian government to ensure gender mainstreaming at all levels.
Doctor Ongile at a meeting in Abuja pointed out that Nigeria has one of the worst cases of gender inequality, violence against women and illiteracy.
To reduce this trend, the United Nations representative called for more synergy between international organisations, government at all levels and members of civil society organisations.
The UNWomen, is a functional unit of the UN Economic and Social Council, dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the advancement of women.
UN Women Representative to Nigeria, Dr Grace Ongile stressed the need for government to come up with strategies to help in mainstreaming gender.
She said the role of civil society in any community could not be over-emphasised as they advocate for transparency in governance process.
Ongile said that the Commission on the Status of Women had been an advocate for gender equality and women empowerment, stressing that Nigeria’s participation would be of great advantage.
Reports have shown that women ranked highest among victims of violation in public and private spaces and government should be committed to eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women, stressing the need to remove all forms of obstacles in equality and equity.