The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government and other stakeholders to institutionalise policies and programmes enabling women and girls to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to national development.

NHRC executive secretary Anthony Ojukwu made the call on International Women’s Day.

Mr Ojukwu called on governments to institutionalise policies and programmes that will enable women and girls to fulfil their aspirations and contribute to national development.

He noted that a male-dominated world has left us with gaps in the overall development index, saying that with the benefit of hindsight, we can appreciate the unimaginable impacts made by women both in Nigeria and elsewhere once the opportunity comes their way.

Mr Ojukwu said, “We are witnesses to the giant strides being made by women in the few Societies where they are recognised as formidable agents of positive change.”

He said many women had proven to be good resources and materials managers whenever they were entrusted with positions of authority.

He regretted that despite increased awareness and sensitization on the issue of gender equality and gender inclusiveness, society still discriminates against women.

He said this is blamed on culture as the root cause of this anomaly, forgetting that such excuses are no longer tenable nowadays.

The NHRC executive secretary decried the near absence of women in key positions like presidents, governors, senators, and industry captains.

(NAN)