By Philip Yatai

Some teenagers in Kaduna on Thursday described gender equity as a pathway to a sustainable future and development for generations to come.

The teenagers, Praise Atiba, 16, and Favour Bulus, also 16, stated this at the commemoration of 2023 International Women’s Day, organised by Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE).

Atiba, a Senior Secondary School student of Shalom Royal College, Kaduna, said that opportunity should be given to all in fairness and because of the person’s ability and not based on gender.

This, she said, would impact positively in the quest for sustainable development and a sustainable future for generations to come.

She pointed out that women and men had different needs, adding that the differences must be identified and addressed in a manner that rectified the imbalance between men and women.

Atiba also said that equity recognised people’s different circumstances, as such the allocation of resources and opportunities for an equal outcome.

On her part, Bulus, a secondary school graduate, said that gender equity and the empowerment of all girls and women were sure ways to sustainable development.

According to her, gender equity will go a long way in ending poverty and hunger, promoting prosperity, growth and building a peaceful, just and inclusive society.

“Today we see women taking charge of sustainable initiatives and innovative solutions to climate change and other societal challenges.

“Therefore, gender equity will accelerate the achievements of the other sustainable development goals, because a woman’s idea can shape and bring balance to a society.

“Little girls with dreams become women with vision and when women support each other incredible things happen.”

She called on stakeholders to support women to thrive in their various endeavours and in their areas of strength through fairness and justice and without gender prejudice.

She also said that like the men, women should be supported to grow and succeed, adding that the measure would enable the women to contribute in making the world a better place.

“Yes, I am a woman, not a weakling. Like a man I have dreams and visions, but inequality has hindered my mission,” she said.

Also, WISE Founder and Programme Director, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, presented a certificate to young Bulus for emerging the best in WISE prolific writing competition, while Patricia Dabo came second.

Olugboji-Daramola added that Atiba came third in the competition held during the commemoration of the 2022 International Day of the Girl Child.

She explained that the commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day was organised to encourage and mobilise women to be at the front line of leading climate solutions and actions in the state.

She noted that women were the most affected by the impact of climate change and as such, had a role to play in taking actions that would drive solutions to climate change at community level. (NAN)