Ezekwesili Seeks Empowerment Of Women

The former World Bank Vice President for African Region, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, has called for economic empowerment of women in Nigeria for national development.

Ezekwesili, now a pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, FCT One Province, made the call in Abuja during the provincial sisters convention 2013.

The convention has as its theme as “The Dependable Sister in this End Time.’’

Ezekwesili said that poverty was a manifestation of lack of empowerment for women in the society, adding that more than 60 per cent of poor people in the country were women.

“This is leading to feminisation of poverty which is the deeper manifestation of poverty among the female gender.’’

Ezekwesili, who said that a large number of women across the globe relied on white-collar job for income, noted that the effort had not solved their problems.

“If women were empowered to do more, the possibility for economic growth and development will be enhanced.’’

She stressed the need for women to be given access to training and pursue higher education for self improvement in order to aspire to higher paying jobs.

Ezekwesili added that women should be provided with resources and skill that would enable them gain and retain employment to build their career.

She urged women to ensure that they realise their full economic potential and make adequate use of it for the development of their home, church and the nation at larger.