Presidency and Taraba Governor Champion Inclusive Policies to Close Gender Gap
The Presidency and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, have jointly called for the implementation of deliberate and inclusive policies aimed at dismantling structural barriers that hinder women's participation in leadership roles and national development. This appeal was made during the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) International Women's Day celebration, held in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Governor Kefas Emphasizes Visibility and Inclusion
Governor Agbu Kefas highlighted the critical role of public relations professionals in shaping national narratives, urging them to deliberately project women as leaders. He stated that visibility and inclusion are fundamental to fostering national development, asserting that no society can rise above the value it places on its women. "When women are empowered, families are strengthened, communities stabilised, and nations prosper," Kefas remarked.
He challenged PR practitioners to move beyond symbolic gestures and actively promote women in authority. "Project women as leaders, tell stories of competence not just compassion, create platforms for women to speak, and normalize women in authority," he said. Kefas also noted that in Taraba State, women occupy key leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to policy, development, and service delivery, serving as role models for young girls.
Keynote Address by Presidential Adviser
In her keynote address, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, called on society to recognize and address the structural barriers that prevent women from reaching leadership positions. She distinguished between equality and equity, explaining that "Equality gives every runner the same size shoe; equity ensures everyone has a shoe that fits." Usman emphasized the need for tailored opportunities to overcome societal and cultural obstacles.
She advocated for inclusive policies in education, financial access, and workplace flexibility, pointing out systemic challenges such as the motherhood penalty, limited financial access, and digital literacy gaps. "To achieve transformational change, we must communicate strategically, highlight women's contributions, and dismantle every barrier that holds them back," Usman added.
NIPR President Calls for Narrative Shift
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, urged a shift in societal narratives to empower women as leaders. He stressed the importance of moving beyond mere encouragement to actively supporting women in leadership roles. Neliaku highlighted the paradox where men honor women in personal relationships but remain hesitant about their leadership capabilities.
He called for the amplification of women's voices and recognition of their historical sacrifices, stating that the world must progress from telling women "don't cry" to fostering environments where they can thrive and lead effectively.
Commitment to Institutionalizing Equity
Governor Kefas concluded by emphasizing that gender equity is not solely a women's issue but a national development imperative. He called for collective action from institutions, media, the private sector, and society at large. "The Nigeria we seek to build cannot be built on imbalance. It must be built on inclusion, fairness, and shared opportunity," he said, underscoring the defining role of communication in this journey.
The event reinforced the call to institutionalize equity and create systems where women can thrive, ensuring that when women rise, nations rise, and the future is secured.
