The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, has described year 2022 as key to achieving gender equality in the context of climate change and environmental and disaster risk reduction.
Yuguda, who made this remark during the celebration of International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ by the Commission in Abuja, explained that climate change and environmental and disaster risk reduction were some of the greatest global challenges.
Specifically, the capital market regulator maintained that without gender equality in the 21st century, a sustainable future, and an equal future would remain unattainable.
He explained: “This year’s IWD observance is in recognition and celebration of the women and girls who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation and response, and to honour their leadership and contribution towards a sustainable future.
“IWD is not country, group or organization specific. It is also a day that people around the world have dedicated to celebrate the importance and significance of the women in their lives and we, at the SEC is not left out since we all have women who play various roles in our lives.
“I would therefore like to thank all the women seated here in this Hall, and those in the zonal offices too. Today we celebrate women, today we celebrate this group of formidable, strong and invincible beautiful women with fierce and robust spirit, which makes them excel in their respective areas. They deserve all the love and support that the world gives them on this day.
“The contribution of women in every sphere of life is massive. They contribute to the lives of their family members as well as the country”, the investment expert added.
Yuguda also thanked female members of staff of the Commission for their contributions in different ways to the success of SEC and the nation’s capital market and wished them happiness, health, success and prosperity in the years ahead.
Earlier in her presentation, Dr. Theresa Uzendu of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, advised women to take care of their health by engaging in activities that aid stress reduction.
Listing some of the sources of stress at work as including amount of work and deadlines, relationships with others, office politics as well as ongoing change, the scholar identified those outside work as relationships, marriage, children, Financial issues as well as too many commitments
She advised: “Women have to take measures to reduce stress like deep breath, listen to music, take a class or read. They need to learn positive thinking and practise relaxation.”
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
It is an occasion to celebrate the progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment but also to critically reflect on those accomplishments and strive for a greater momentum towards gender equality worldwide.
The International Women’s Day is a day to recognize the extraordinary acts of women and to stand together, as a united force, to advance gender equality around the world.
