Deposed Emir of Kano, Alh. Muhammadu Sanusi II, vowed to remain staunch in challenging the social values that hamper progress towards achieving gender equality in Nigeria, saying he will continue to speak against marriage to children under the age of 18.
He stated this at the Intergenerational Dialogue on Gender equality with the theme: ‘I am generation equality; realizing women’s rights and social justice’ which held in Abuja yesterday.
According to him, the change needed to address the imbalance dogging women’s participation in national development initiatives has been slow.
So, he called on those in government to reconcile traditional values with progressive ideas in relation to the issue of women’s inclusion in society.
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Sanusi said, “Women hold the key to continuity of life, human progress and development. The progress of the nation depends on how women raise their children.
“Culturally, we love and honour mothers. Therefore, I implore everyone to embrace the noble status of women not just at the workplace but from the early beginnings of a girl child’s life.
We must continue to dialogue and challenge the social values that continue to hamper progress in the area of gender equality. So, I will continue to advocate against child marriages under the age of 18.”
On the empowerment of women for contribution to the national economy, the former Emir, said: “I will advise more gender-specific engagements of women in sectors such as agriculture and the extractive industries.”
