Sweden Promises Support To Empower Girls

By Florence Adewale

Swedish Government has promised to support policies and programmes aimed at empowering the Girl Child in Nigeria.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, made the promise in Abuja when Plan International, an NGO, through its Girl Takeover Campaign, visited the ambassador.

While reiterating the commitment of the Swedish government to enhance gender equality in society she stressed that gender equality remains Sweden’s priority.

The Ambassador said the embassy would not relent in promoting activities that would promote girls’ rights and empowerment.

According to Hahn-Englund, “Our goal for gender policy is to ensure that men and women have the same power to form society, the same possibility when it comes to work and economy and same possibility when it comes to education and personal development”.

“There should be equal division when it comes to unpaid work at home, equality in terms of health and both men and women should have the same possibility when it comes to integrity of the body,” she said.

Recognizing the importance of gender equality and the need for diverse voices in leadership, the Swedish ambassador explained that these efforts were aimed at breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for girls to thrive.

Also speaking, the immediate past Country Director, of Action Aid Nigeria, Ms. Ene Obi stressed the need to strive more for equity in governance adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure women participate actively in decision-making in the society.

Obi emphasized the need for more support from international organizations to enable Nigerian women to be self-reliant.

She expressed dissatisfaction that the gender bill introduced to address issues of gender equality was thrown out and stressed the need to form a formidable force to ensure women’s representation and promotion in every aspect.

The Girl Takeover Campaign by Plan International provides an opportunity for young girls around the world to take over influencing roles and positions of power to support the global movement on gender equality and inclusion to encourage girls to be good ambassadors.

This was part of activities to mark the International Day of the Girl Child celebrated annually to promote the rights of girls by raising awareness on gender equality and inclusion as well as providing opportunities for girls to participate in influential roles, likewise, addressing the challenges faced by girls in general.

Edited By Grace Namiji