The Center for Advocacy, Transparency, and Accountability Initiative (CATAI), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), organized a one-day seminar and award ceremony to honor remarkable women who have made significant contributions to women’s empowerment and gender equality.Â
The Exercise Director of CATAI, Abubakar Sauq Mua’zu, expressed the organization’s dedication to advancing gender equality and women’s rights during the event held to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day in Maiduguri.
Mua’zu emphasized the importance of International Women’s Day as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need to address barriers that hinder women’s full participation in society.
He highlighted this year’s theme, “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress,” stressing the critical role women play as catalysts for progress and agents of change.
According to Mua’zu, investing in women not only aligns with moral values but also makes economic sense.
Empowered women contribute to thriving economies, prosperous communities, and resilient societies.
However, despite progress, gender disparities persist in education, employment, healthcare, and political representation. Women face discrimination, violence, and unequal access to resources.
To accelerate progress towards gender equality, bold and transformative actions are necessary at all levels.
Collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders is essential to drive collective action for gender equality.
CATAI, with support from UN Women and other partners, has been promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding and leadership in Bama, Konduga, and Maiduguri.
Through various programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, CATAI aims to create an enabling environment for women to thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to society.
On International Women’s Day, the organization celebrates women’s achievements and recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to gender equality efforts in the state.
Mua’zu urged people to stand in solidarity with women everywhere and invest in their empowerment.
As progress towards gender equality continues, he pledged to invest in women, unleash their potential, and work towards a more just and equitable world for all.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various dignitaries, including the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on SDGs/MDAs, Dr. Mairo Mandara, Ambassador Bulama Abiso, Prof. Patria Dinki, and Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The event included the presentation of achievement awards to distinguished women, NGOs, state government representatives, and individuals, as well as group photographs and visits to exhibition corners.
