Government at all levels should empower women financially to make the nation better.

Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos branch, Adebola Kolawole made the call on the sidelines of an event marking the twenty-twenty-one International Women’s Day, in Lagos.

The event tagged, ‘Women in Leadership – Achieving an Equal Future in Covid-19 World’ was organised by the Branch’s Mother’s Club.

Speaking on International Women’s Day, the chairman said it was important to highlight the leadership roles of women in the society to encourage them to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

She particularly commended women on their role as homemakers “who have to manage the busy demands of both work, husband and children.”

Kolawole, however, noted that women were plagued with a lot of issues that limit them from being successful.

According to her, women are the most vulnerable and affected during wars, conflicts and most recently, the Covid-19 because they have to take care of the needs of their families and the society, not paying attention to their needs.

In her words, the major challenge that affects women is finance, as in the home, when there is financial crisis, the woman bears the brunt, as she goes out looking for help, does odd jobs and sometimes work as domestic help in other homes to make ends meet.

She called on individuals and institutions to create an inclusive society that encourages equal opportunities so women can succeed professionally.

The chairman urged the government to encourage women to succeed by creating financial empowerment opportunities; trainings, aids and grants to help them start up businesses.

She pledged Red Cross’ support to create equal opportunities for everyone to participate in society, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age and disability.

Earlier, one of the speakers, Ijeoma Nweke, cautioned women against allowing their challenges to deter them from dreaming big.

Nweke, who is a former secretary of the branch, urged women to believe in themselves and strive to achieve their goals.

She urged women to break the barriers limiting them by getting new skills and the knowledge needed for the positions they want.

According to her, learn to invest, it needs to begin early, Be prepared at all times, Cut down unnecessary spendings.

A member of NRCS Lagos Babies Home Committee, Grace Akande, urged women, particularly mothers, to look out for the less privileged children and help them develop characters that will help build the society.

In her words, they should help them grow and contribute meaningfully to the society, to ensure life does not end the way it started for them.

The Coordinator of the Mother’s Club, Charity Nweze, urged the participants not to relent in their humanitarian roles in the society.

She added that the club would continue to sensitise women on health and financial issues including enlightenment on breast and cervical cancer.

The International Women’s Day, is celebrated on March 8 annually to celebrate women and recognise their contributions to the world, while calling for equal rights for them.