The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria has called on the government to take steps in fulfilling promises to women, particularly in governance, business, and national development.
Speaking in Lagos at an event to mark International Women’s Day recently, SWAN Chairperson Hilda Ozoh lamented that despite numerous commitments from leaders, women’s inclusion in key sectors remains inadequate.
“Recently, the Senate President made another promise to us yesterday. Promises have been made by governments, by leaders, and even by women themselves in varying sectors and locations. In most cases, these promises are not met. They are overlooked, overshadowed by either political or personal circumstances. It is time for all those who make these promises to rise up and fulfil their promises. The female gender must be fully recognised and given its rightful place,” she said.
Ozoh emphasised that women have played a role in global and national development but are yet to be fully integrated into leadership positions.
“We celebrate them all, we celebrate ourselves, and we appreciate each and every member of the SWAN family, our essence and our being. Clearly, women have an untapped potential as a primary mover of greater development across the world, and their role is very crucial for increased development. I celebrate all female Chartered Accountants all over the world, particularly our Queen sisters that are in Canada, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America,” she said.
The SWAN leader also called for government action to rescue Leah Sharibu and other girls who remain in captivity.
She said, “The female gender must be fully recognised and given its rightful place. We want the government to be deliberate about including more women in governance, in business, and in other facets of the socio-economic development of the country. The government should also rescue Leah Sharibu and other girls and women who are still in captivity of the bandits.”
SWAN urged policymakers to implement sustainable policies that bridge the gender gap and create equal opportunities for women in leadership, business, and national development.
