The second post women deliver conference meeting in Nigeria is sequel to the first meeting held on the 10th of June 2016 in Abuja as an aftermath of the Women Deliver conference 2016 which provided a ground breaking opportunity to advance a sustainable agenda for women and girls globally. The second meeting was hosted by Mr. Torben Gettermann, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria at the Danish Embassy in Abuja and E2E Initiative was represented in attendance by Founder, Mrs. Joy Anih.
In her welcome speech, the convener of the Deliver for Nigeria project, Mrs. Moju Makanjuola of International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) pointed out the ten action points to collaboratively and effectively deliver for women and girls in Nigeria. She also stated that all participants must drive in their quarters towards the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. She acknowledged the role of all attendees, especially the matron, Mrs Toyin Saraki and co-chair of the Deliver for Nigeria project, Dr Amina Aminu Dorayi of PATHS2 for believing in and sharing the vision of a Deliver for Nigeria project.
Mr. Gettermann, in his opening remarks expressed delight at the commitment of the conference attendees and their drive to work collaboratively in enhancing the course of women and girls. He added that together, it is possible to achieve much as no individual or country can stand alone. “Nigeria is indeed moving forward, and in the right direction in the process of gender equality as evidenced in her work with the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill (GEOBill). Together we must deliver for girls and women in Nigeria. The agenda of gender equality is a united agenda that will impact the lives of every Nigerian,” he said. The ambassador ended his remarks by setting the stage for the work ahead and pledging his support towards the Deliver for Nigeria movement. He encouraged participants to reflect on the words of the Crown Princess Mary of Denmark at WD16 – “Together we must deliver for girls to have choice, not chance.
Her Excellency, Mrs Toyin Saraki, wife of the senate president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Wellbeing foundation who was represented by Mrs Inimfon Etuk, while giving her goodwill message, said that when institutions leverage on the strength of women and girls, and commit to their development, such institutions position themselves for sustainable development and power progress for all. She said the massive representation and engagement she had with the young and committed Nigerians at the conference was her greatest takeaway. Mrs Saraki ended by reaffirming her support and commitment to women and girls in Nigeria and promised to play her part as matron in facilitating the Deliver for Nigeria agenda.
Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi presented an overview of the Deliver for Nigeria movement, highlighting the need for Nigeria to step up its actions to address basic issues of the health and wellbeing of women and girls. She re-iterated the necessity for renewed action, political commitment, strategic investment, taking bolder steps and stronger partnerships to catalyze change and improve the situation of girls and women in Nigeria. As a partnership, membership of the Deliver for Nigeria movement is voluntary and will leverage on existing structures to drive the Sustainable Development Goals in-country. Some of the suggested immediate actions for the group included developing a coordinated implementation plan, identifying individuals/organizations and their various expertise, agreeing on work streams and assigning roles and responsibilities. A brief description of the Women for Women’s Health program was provided by Mrs. Makanjuola as part of efforts to introduce initiatives aimed at supporting women to take better care of their health.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Moji Makanjuola stressed the need to involve more Nigerian youths on the global stage saying “We must see ourselves as value change agents to effectively re-write the developmental progress in Nigeria, working together with each other.” The Ambassador was full of excitement with the energy and enthusiasm shown by attendees. He expressed his commitment to see the movement move forward.
