Govt Urged To Prioritize Decision Making On Gender Equality

*Men, boys to become champions of gender equality

By TINA PHINEAS, Yola

Achieving gender equality still feels like a distant dream, despite the global efforts being made.

According to the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Gender Index report by Equal Measures 2030, the journey toward gender equality is progressing at a frustratingly slow pace worldwide.

This report evaluates how different countries are performing in terms of gender equality across various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This information was shared during a Solutions-Focused Gender Equity Reporting Training organized by Social Voices in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network.

In her presentation, Cecilia Gracia from Equal Measures pointed out that many nations are falling behind in their quest for gender equality, with some making little to no headway.

“Certain regions, like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, are grappling with significant challenges in education, health, and economic participation,” she noted.

Gracia highlighted that some of the reasons for the sluggish progress in achieving gender equality include inadequate policies and their implementation, insufficient investment in programs that empower women, and ongoing social and cultural barriers.

She called for a more urgent approach to achieving gender equality and meeting the SDGs.

“Governments and policymakers need to make gender equality a priority in their decision-making and budgeting, and they should also strengthen laws and policies that protect women’s rights,” Gracia emphasized.

The Executive Director of YouthHubAfrica, Mr. Rotimi Olawale, spoke about the “Participation of Men and Boys in Gender Equality,” stressing the importance of involving men and boys in this movement, especially since most gender-based violence is perpetrated by men.

“Men often hold positions of power and influence, and their involvement can lead to meaningful, lasting change.”

Including men and boys in the conversation shows that gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue; it also helps alleviate the pressure on men and boys to dominate and control women.

“Men can become champions for gender-inclusive policies at home, in schools, and within their communities.”

He emphasized that gender equality is a collective effort, and men and boys play a crucial role in the solution.

Chigozie Victor, the senior editor at Zikoko, highlighted that achieving gender equality means tackling the social, economic, and cultural obstacles that hold people back from realizing their full potential.

During her presentation titled “Reporting Gender Issues from a Solutions Lens and Effective Storytelling Techniques,” Chigozie pinpointed essential aspects of gender equality, such as gender mainstreaming, equal rights, access to economic opportunities, and the elimination of Gender-Based Violence.

She also emphasized the importance of equal opportunities in leadership and politics, as well as ensuring that girls and women have the same access to quality education.

Chigozie shared valuable tips with participants on how to pitch a solutions-focused gender equality story, stressing the importance of truly understanding the problem and grasping its complexities.

She encouraged journalists covering these stories to shine a light on tales of resilience and recovery, highlight effective support services, showcase prevention initiatives, and carefully analyze solutions for any potential unintended consequences.