The looming International Women’s Day (IWD) in 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the protracted struggle for gender equality. As the world prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal moment in the pursuit of women’s rights, Mwalin Abdu, the Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe State Chapter, has issued a compelling call to action. Her message, resonating with the IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgent need to move beyond mere recognition of the challenges women face and actively engage in transformative efforts that promote genuine equality and empowerment. This call transcends symbolic gestures and demands concrete steps towards dismantling systemic barriers and biases that continue to impede women’s progress in all spheres of life.
Abdu’s impassioned plea is deeply anchored in her personal experiences, particularly during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The disturbing revelation of a community in Gombe State where women were denied their fundamental right to vote serves as a microcosm of the broader disenfranchisement faced by women in many parts of the world. Furthermore, the absence of a single female representative in the Gombe State House of Assembly highlights the pervasive underrepresentation of women in political decision-making processes. These glaring examples underscore the deeply entrenched societal norms and practices that perpetuate gender inequality and obstruct women’s full participation in shaping their own futures.
The grim reality of gender disparity is further amplified by the World Economic Forum’s projection that, at the current pace of progress, achieving full gender parity remains a distant prospect, estimated to be over a century away. This disheartening forecast serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the critical need for accelerated action. The glacial pace of change necessitates a fundamental shift in approach, moving beyond incremental improvements to embrace bold and transformative strategies that address the root causes of inequality. The urgency of the situation demands a concerted global effort to dismantle deeply ingrained patriarchal structures and challenge the pervasive biases that continue to marginalize women.
Abdu’s call to action extends beyond mere awareness-raising; it demands a commitment to concrete action. It necessitates a multi-pronged approach that encompasses legislative reforms, policy changes, and societal shifts in attitudes and behaviors. Crucially, it requires engaging men as allies in this struggle, recognizing that gender equality is not solely a women’s issue but a fundamental human rights concern that benefits all members of society. The fight for gender equality is not a zero-sum game; it is a collective endeavor that requires the active participation of both men and women to create a more just and equitable world.
The path to achieving gender parity is fraught with challenges, but the IWD 2025 offers a unique opportunity to galvanize global efforts and accelerate progress. It demands a collective commitment to challenge the status quo, disrupt entrenched power structures, and champion policies that promote women’s empowerment. This includes ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation. Furthermore, it requires addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and promoting a culture of respect and equality.
Ultimately, achieving gender equality is not simply a matter of ticking boxes or meeting quotas; it requires a profound transformation of societal norms and values. It necessitates a shift in mindset that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender. The journey towards a truly equitable world demands sustained commitment, unwavering perseverance, and a collective resolve to create a future where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The time for incremental change is over; the time for accelerated action is now.
