The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Lagos State chapter, has called for more participation of women in leadership roles.

The association made the call on Friday in Lagos during the celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, with the theme: “Inspire Inclusion” organised by Wikimedia foundation.

The theme for 2024 IWD is “Investing in women: Accelerate progress.’’

Speaking on the theme, former National President of NAWOJ, Toro Oladapo, said that women’s inclusion in policy-making and leadership roles was important for sustainable development.

“We need more women in leadership roles and policy formation. Their inclusion remains important if Nigeria is to achieve equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy,” she said

Mrs Oladapo pointed out that there were still some stereotypes preventing women from realising their full potential.

“International Women’s Day is to appreciate what we have done to our families, organisations and nation. We must encourage inclusion of women in all sectors including those from marginalised groups, they have significant contributions. We have a lot to do on policies that will make the environment conducive to inspire the girl child. Insecurity, domestic violence and other vices are discouraging women from achieving their full potential,” she said.

According to Mrs Oladapo, social, cultural, and religious beliefs have kept women in the background.

“We are believed to be seen and heard in the background, but we are going to remove the stereotypes, we will not give up, we will project the women that can represent us,” she said.

She, therefore, urged women to support their fellow women in leadership roles.

“Do not pull your fellow women down, instead give them a helping hand when they are falling short of expectations,’’ she said.

Also, NAWOJ Chairperson, Lagos State chapel, Adeola Ekine, during her opening remarks, advocated gender equality in every sector.

“NAWOJ is advocating gender equality in every sector, mostly in the media. With our collaboration with Wikimedia, we want to breach the gender gap in information dissemination. We want to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive media space where women’s achievement and contribution are celebrated and recognised.

“Through this symposium, we have the opportunity to explore how we can leverage digital platforms to amplify women’s voices and promote gender equality. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to the advancement of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Let us continue to work together in a world where every woman’s voice will be heard,” she said.

Mrs Ekine, represented by the Vice-Chairperson, NAWOJ, Lagos State chapel, Bunmi Yekini, appreciated Wikimedia for its partnership and support in organising the symposium.

The Executive Director, Wikimedia, Nigeria, Omolayo Ogunsiji, said that women inclusion was important in the life of media.

According to her, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria has been involved in several advocacy programmes to promote Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects and to bridge the gender gap on the internet.

“We want to learn and read more about women who are doing exploits on Wikimedia. Many women are doing excellently well but they are not known because nobody is there to write their stories.

“Wikimedia is there to change the narrative; women can no longer be pushed to the back. We want to include women in different professions in Nigeria including the less privileged and the disabled,” Mrs Ogunsiji said.

(NAN)