- Presidency, Kefas Urge Action on Barriers Facing Women in Nigeria
- Urges public relations professionals to play a more active role in shaping narratives that highlight women as capable leaders
- Usman called for targeted policies in areas like education, financial access, and workplace flexibility
Agbu Kefas and the Presidency have called for more intentional and inclusive policies to break down the barriers holding women back from leadership and national development, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day event organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja, the governor stressed that empowering women is not just a moral responsibility but a key driver of national progress.
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Kefas urged public relations professionals to play a more active role in shaping narratives that highlight women as capable leaders, noting that visibility and representation matter.
According to him, societies can only grow to the extent that they value their women. He pointed out that when women are given opportunities to lead, the ripple effect is seen in stronger families, more stable communities, and a more prosperous nation.
He also emphasised that PR professionals are not just storytellers but powerful influencers who determine whose voices are amplified. He challenged them to go beyond portraying women as compassionate figures and instead showcase their competence, leadership, and impact.
In his words, young girls are more likely to believe in their potential when they see women in leadership positions. For him, that belief is where real change begins.
Kefas added that gender equity should not be treated as a symbolic gesture but as a national priority that must be embedded into systems and institutions.
Also speaking at the event, Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, highlighted the structural barriers women still face in accessing leadership roles.
She explained the difference between equality and equity, noting that while equality gives everyone the same opportunity, equity ensures that individuals get what they need to succeed.
Usman called for targeted policies in areas like education, financial access, and workplace flexibility, pointing out challenges such as the motherhood penalty and limited access to resources.
She stressed that real transformation will only happen when society deliberately removes these barriers and actively promotes women’s contributions.
In his remarks, the President of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, urged a shift in how society views women, saying it is time to move beyond sympathy and start encouraging leadership.
He noted the contradiction in society, where women are celebrated in personal roles but often overlooked in positions of authority.
According to him, empowering women is not just beneficial for individuals but essential for building stronger institutions and a more balanced society.
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