The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has issued a powerful call to action, urging the Nigerian government to move beyond rhetoric and actively fulfill its promises of greater inclusion for women in governance, business, and national development. Speaking at an International Women’s Day event, SWAN Chairperson Hilda Ozoh highlighted the persistent disparity between political pronouncements and tangible progress. She pointed to a pattern of unfulfilled commitments from leaders across various sectors, emphasizing the need for concrete action to match the numerous pledges made to advance women’s participation in key areas of society. Ozoh’s message underscored the urgency of recognizing women’s untapped potential and ensuring their rightful place in driving national progress.
Ozoh’s address resonated with the broader theme of International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a platform for advocating gender equality. She acknowledged the significant contributions women have made to both national and global development, while simultaneously lamenting the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. This disconnect between acknowledged contributions and access to positions of power underscores a systemic issue that SWAN aims to address. Ozoh’s recognition of female chartered accountants across the globe, particularly those in Canada, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlights the global nature of this struggle for equal opportunity and recognition.
A key element of SWAN’s appeal is the demand for deliberate action from the government. The organization urges policymakers to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement sustainable policies that effectively bridge the gender gap. This includes creating an enabling environment for women in leadership positions, fostering their participation in business and entrepreneurship, and ensuring their full integration into all aspects of the country’s socio-economic development. This call for deliberate action underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms that address the root causes of gender inequality and create a level playing field for women to contribute their full potential.
SWAN’s call for action goes beyond the abstract realm of policy and delves into the very real and urgent need for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of women and girls. Specifically, Ozoh called for the rescue of Leah Sharibu and other women and girls held captive by bandits. This poignant appeal serves as a stark reminder of the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in conflict-ridden areas and highlights the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable. This demand connects the broader theme of women’s empowerment with the immediate need for security and freedom for those held in captivity.
The organization’s focus on governance, business, and national development underlines the interconnectedness of these spheres and the importance of women’s participation across all three. Effective governance requires diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making, while a thriving business sector benefits from the talents and innovation of women entrepreneurs. Similarly, sustainable national development hinges on the full participation of all citizens, including women, in contributing to economic growth, social progress, and political stability. SWAN’s emphasis on these interconnected areas highlights the comprehensive nature of their advocacy for gender equality.
In conclusion, SWAN’s message on International Women’s Day is a resonant call for action, urging a shift from promises to tangible progress. The organization’s demand for deliberate government intervention, sustainable policy reforms, and concrete actions to address the gender gap reflects a deep understanding of the systemic nature of inequality. The poignant call for the rescue of Leah Sharibu and other captive women and girls adds a layer of urgency and humanizes the broader struggle for women’s rights and safety. By focusing on governance, business, and national development, SWAN underscores the crucial role of women in shaping a prosperous and equitable future for Nigeria. The organization’s message serves as a powerful reminder that true progress requires not only recognizing women’s potential but also actively creating an environment where they can fully realize it.
