By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The President of the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, has urged urgent action to address gender disparity by empowering women economically.

Olutimo made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration held in Lagos on Friday.

The event, organised by UNAN in partnership with Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), aimed to promote gender inclusiveness and empower women across all sectors.

Olutimo emphasised the need for inclusivity, noting that society must guarantee gender equality for all, especially women, to ensure balanced national development.

He said the event’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, aimed to highlight strategies, resources, and initiatives that support women’s advancement and encourage their widespread implementation.

According to him, significant barriers to gender equality still exist, but with the right support and decisive steps, women can achieve considerable progress.

Supporting gender equality advocates, he noted, remains one of the most effective ways to speed up progress toward a more equitable society.

“If the current trend continues and nothing is done to address gender disparity, the situation will worsen and create greater problems,” Olutimo warned.

He cited the World Economic Forum’s prediction that true gender parity will not be achieved until 2158 if present conditions persist.

“This highlights the urgent need to tackle structural biases and barriers faced by women both personally and professionally,” he stressed.

He added that the initiative seeks to ignite a movement, increase momentum, and achieve results with the necessary urgency and determination.

“We live in a historic moment that requires us to abandon gradual progress and embrace swift, impactful action,” Olutimo stated.

He described the event as a call to action, a platform for collaboration, and a space for generating innovative ideas to empower women.

“Our aim is to identify barriers, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will enable rapid and lasting transformation,” he added.

He emphasised the power of collective action, noting that combining diverse skills and expertise can help achieve shared goals efficiently.

Olutimo urged women to support UNAN’s efforts to accelerate gender equality and contribute actively to global progress.

“One of the best ways to advance gender equality is to identify effective strategies and implement them rapidly and consistently,” he noted.

He reiterated that supporting advocates is crucial in driving the gender equality movement forward at all levels of society.

“Many organisations, from grassroots groups to large institutions, work tirelessly to support and empower women and girls.

“We must unite in solidarity and support these organisations’ efforts to promote women’s rights and development,” Olutimo said.

Similarly, Mrs Abisola Akinsete, Chair of the IWD Organising Committee, stated that men must play an active role in advancing women’s rights.

“True gender equality requires collaboration, with male leaders using their influence to create opportunities for women,” Akinsete explained.

She commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for promoting women’s empowerment and inclusion through supportive policies in Lagos State.

“By ensuring female representation in his cabinet and agencies, Governor Sanwo-Olu sets a strong example for other leaders,” she added.

Dr Mrs Ijeoma Nweke, UNAN Vice President, described ‘Accelerating Actions’ as efforts to remove barriers and close the gender gap swiftly.

Nweke stressed that individuals, communities, private sectors, NGOs, and government must all take action to empower women.

“Women’s rights are human rights. Investing in women accelerates development – they are the architects of tomorrow,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo