INTERNATIONALWOMENSDAY: Women hold key to Africa's devt—TUC women

LAGOS—THE key to Africa's development is in according women and girls their rights, giving them the chance to actualise their aspirations and realise their full potentials. These were the sentiments of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Women Commission, at the International Women's Day Celebration in Lagos, yesterday.

According to the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs Oyinkan Olasanoye, Africa is poor because leaders have failed to carry women along. She added that women are not in contests with their husbands, brothers, uncles and nephews, but just want to participate in management.

Her words: “Women suddenly become widows due to crises, illiteracy among women is frightening and early marriages and sexual exploitation are rampart. These can impede development.

“Gender equality does not mean women ruling over men; it guarantees a level playing field devoid of all forms of discrimination.”

Speaking earlier, the President of TUC, Mr. Boboi Bala-Kaigama, said the theme of this year's celebration, Be Bold for Change, is apt.

He said democracy is a game of numbers and women have the numerical advantage, telling the hall-full of women “wherever you are, insist on being heard. Do not give up or die with your ideas.”

Other dignitaries at the event were labour leaders; the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who both sent representatives; Mrs Owugar Akinbode, who gave a talk on the theme, and Bishop Priscillia Otuya, who spoke on Home Management in the Era of Be Bold for Change.