Dr Bashir Achida, a Lecturer in Economics Department of Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto, says closing gender gaps may attract up to 20 per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a country.
Achida stated this in a lecture organized by Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) as part of 2024 International Women’s Day commemoration on Saturday in Sokoto.
He encourage women to explore thier potentialities and become relevant to become entrepreneurs, employers and tap business opportunities in the country.
The Economist stressed that women qualifications and suitability would ensure more inclusiveness desired.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to ensure women friendly policies on the side of governments and private sectors that would facilitate active involvement in the nation’s growth.
The University Don explained that families that both wife and husband contribute in routine responsibilities possess lower dependency ratio during retirement period or even death.
“This year’s IWD theme, Invest in women to accelerate progress’, is apt and a call for action,” he said.
He called for more support to women education and entrepreneurship being veritable piller for society development and progress, citing global index and reports.
Achida said women creates, nurture and transform the society possessing positive mindsets for growth and development.
In thier separate presentations, Dr Nabila Bako and Dr Hafsat Olatunji, from Sokoto state university dwell on women contributions to the society and they became catalyst of success.
The lecturers called for more affirmative actions for women inclusion and advised bodies to celebrate women.success all year round not only of IWD.
In.her address, Mrs Florence Mutkut, the wife of General Officer Commanding (,GOV) 8 Division of Nigeria Army Sokoto and state’s NAOWA chairperson said the event was to sensitize women to be continues relevant.
“ My belief in the transformational power of women, is the reason for organizing talk shows, road walk and lectures to awaken women on thier potentialities,” Mutkut said.
She further called on women to study, become professionals and engages on viable businesses in order to make meaningful contribution to the society.
The Chairperson called on leaders in the public and private sectors to bring more women to the table.
” Stakeholders need to back thier words with real action in the form of increased financial support and access to opportunities for female students and business owners,” he said
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