The International Federation of Female Lawyers, FIDA, has called on government at all levels, agencies, policymakers, legislators and corporate organizations, to incorporate the diversity of women and girls in policy formulation, implementation of laws, amongst others. The call was made as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, 2021, with the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving An Equal Future in a Covid-19 World”.

In a message in commemoration of the day, FIDA Nigeria noted that, the theme for this year is one that seeks to encourage gratitude to women for all their ‘tremendous efforts’. Accordingly, and in accordance with Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, equal opportunity should be given to each and everyone who aspires for political offices noting that, such equal opportunities for all gender is the bedrock of any democracy.

“FIDA also appreciated the efforts of women during peak of the Covid-19 period, noting that their actions as caregivers and health workers to battke the pandemic head-on, through their skills and perspective. The acclaimed organization noted that despite the health crisis, women have also been disproportionately affected by the social and economic downturn that have increased poverty and further gender inequality, as well as the vulnerability of women.”

“The above theme is also in consonance with the priority theme for the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: ‘Women’s full and effective participation and decision – making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.”

“These all being efforts towards achieving gender equality and women’s full participation in the public sphere. Women, as usual, rose to the occasion and carried disproportionate burdens during the pandemic as health workers at the frontline, caregivers to sick family members and breadwinners; we remember them and applaud their efforts. We note and also appreciate that the pandemic elicited the skills and perspectives that women bring on board, for which leadership traits are worth celebrating as a way to encourage more women in leadership, to shape a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Despite the pandemic and its challenges, women defied all odds and still championed and accomplished great things, rising to the pinnacles of their careers, in sports, beauty and fashion, media, entertainment, healthcare, education, as entrepreneurs, in government appointments and even the Judiciary. We appreciate you one and join in blowing the trumpet for you all as great Nigerian women breaking boundaries.” The speech reads in part.

However, the Association noted that the rising cases of violence against women in various forms or manners and calls on Government at all levels, as well as policymakers, legislative organs to the needful by incorporating women and girls in policymaking process. The Association also used to the opportunity to celebrate all hardworking women in various positions of authority, it promised to continually present hardworking and credible women for leadership positions.