By Philip Yatai

The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), has challenged women to rise up to their responsibilities and stop the blame game on marginalisation and domination by men.

WISE’s Founder and Programme Director, Ms Olanike Olugboji, made the challenge in Kaduna, at the opening of an event to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD).

Olugboji said that women must learn to take responsibility for their lives and do something to create the life they want to live and build the kind of future they want to see.

She pointed out that the men had been blamed for every negative thing that happened to women, stressing that it was time to change the narrative by initiating the change the women wanted to see.

According to her, women must rise and do something to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others around them.

“As women, we can do better by first challenging ourselves to become better; be the best at what we do and challenge any stereotype and obstacles that stand on our way.

“We must challenge poverty, hunger insecurity, gender-based violence and any cultural and gender-based practices that limit the potentials of women.”

She said that women should not settle for followership but must aspire for leadership positions and work their way through the processes of becoming a leader.

According to her, the gender campaign is not about competition, but about equal opportunity for women to aspire to become better; do better and be at the frontline of the decision making processes for nation building.

“In line with our mission, WISE has been promoting constructive environmental ideals, culture, and practices by empowering women, especially grassroots women, to become environmental stewards.

“We want women to be at the forefront of the decision-making process and actions that affect their lives and their environment.”

Olugboji said that the event was organised in line with 2021 IWD theme, “Chose to Challenge”, to motivate women to be the best at whatever they chose to do and support one another to grow.

She added that the event was also organised to celebrate women, their aspirations, achievements, challenges and motivate them to do better.

Also speaking, Mrs Anna Avong, a member of the NGO’s Board of Trustee, said that the NGO has been working with women over the years to sustainably improve their environment profitably.

Avong, however, added that women must take the lead in taking actions that would lead them to their dreams.

Similarly, a legal practitioner, Mrs Ruth Olajide, said that women must create a new version of themselves by acquiring the necessary skills to make a difference in the society.

According to her, the world will be better for the women if they learn to take responsibility for themselves and stop the overwhelming dependence on men.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the activities at the event include feasting, dancing competition, cutting of cake and distribution of gifts,

Some of the gifts are energy efficient clean cook stoves, face mask, hand sanitisers and food items, among others.