Hajia Bola Muse Speaks At IWD 2023, Seeks Global Support for Girl Child

0

Hajia Bola Muse

By DAPO OLAWUNI

As the world celebrated the International Women’s Day (IWD 2023) on Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer of Bomarah Group and Founder of Bomarah Foundation, Hajia Bola Muse has called for global awareness and support of the girl child which according her are vulnerable and at higher risk of being sexually abused.

The IWD 2023 was commemorated by Bomarah Group in collaboration with Women Enterpreneur & Professionals Development Network (WEDPN) as well as ECOWAS Federation of Business Women and Enterpreneurs (FEBWE) Nigerian chapter at NECA House, CBD, Alausa, Lagos

Hajia Bola Muse (3rd from left, front row) in a group picture with Mrs Funke Agbor, SAN (4th from left, front row) who was speaker of the day at the celebration of IWD 2023 in Lagos

Following the United Nations’ theme for the 2023 IWD which is; DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality, Hajia Muse harped on the need to take proper care of the girl child to ensure that right from teenage hood, the girl child has access to digital learning and quality education.

Hajia Muse noted that in many communities, the rights of the girl child are denied and sometimes her essential needs are scarcely available.

“She is at higher risk of being sexually abused and exploited which may affect her development and survival negatively. Hence, it is apparent that girls are largely vulnerable and extra efforts must be taken for their protection.

“The status of girls is significantly less than that of boys in some countries, and this makes girls more vulnerable to discrimination and neglect. Facts and figures show that girls suffer discrimination right from birth especially in areas such as health care, education and nutrition.

Hajia Bola Muse, President of Bomarah Foundation (right) and COO of WEDPN, Mrs Affi Ibanga

“Asides from eliminating abuse and discrimination, the Beijing Platform for Action has called for the promotion of training and development to improve girls’ status and eliminate their economic exploitation. Awareness of girls’ needs and potential should be improved in the society and among the girls themselves so they will be free to fully be involved in social, economic and political activities.

According to the UN, under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5Gender Equality); “Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary Foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world”.

According to her, areas of focus at her foundation; Bomarah Foundation include infant mortality and child rights, rehabilitation of displaced persons, youth empowerment programmes (job creation), promotion of the rights of persons living with disabilities in making opportunities equal as prescribed in relevant laws and awareness campaigns on social vices and ills.

The organization constantly re-affirms its commitment to this endeavour using three (3) dimensional strategic instruments of education, advocacy and empowerment by determining what the problems are, what actions need to be taken and how to carry out these actions.

“In the future, we hope to regularly carry out projects aimed at ensuring that issues of women and girls face are addressed and they have improved access to digital technology. This is because investment into the future of women and girls, is always a worthy investment and an investment into a better future for all”

“Bomarah Foundation aim is to create an all-inclusive society devoid of poverty and prejudice. Over the years, we have been in the business of caring for the needy since the year 2002 in order to create opportunities for underprivileged persons so they can make the best use of their lives” she said

While speaking on the use of technology to advance women in the society, she said advancement in technology have opened up new avenues for growth, opportunity and empowerment for women.

“We have seen the power of technology used to eliminate gender disparities in the work place, in education and in healthcare. Technology has enabled women to pursue their aspirations and to participate in economic and social development on a global scale.

“The power of technology has also enabled us to create more equitable and accessible educational opportunities. Technology has allowed us to bridge the digital divide that has traditionally separated women from education and economic opportunities.

“We have seen technology used to increase access to education, improve teaching methods, and make information more widely available. Technology has also enabled us to close the gender gap in the workplace. We have seen technology used to make work more flexible, to provide greater access to remote working opportunities, and to enable women to make their voices heard in the work place.

“We have also seen technology used to improve healthcare access and outcomes for women. Technology has enabled us to bridge the digital divide that has traditionally separated women from healthcare services and reproductive health care”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Share