Broadcasting
The Pandemic Undid The Global Strides Made Towards Gender Equality
By Joanna Baidu, Youth Lead, PMI
Over the past decades, the movement to dismantle organised bias against women in workplaces, politics, academia, fast-tracking of economic opportunities and access to healthcare has been gaining ground. While society remains unequal, these gains were unequivocally meritorious and resulted from the tenacity of women driving it. However, in just over two years, Covid-19 undid the gains and exposed existing social inequalities.
Joanna Baidu
If not addressed, discrimination against women and girls will stay on as a side effect of the pandemic. The gender-skewed labour shortages in the workplace need to be ironed out on priority to create an even playing field for women who are in and will be entering the job market. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” is timely and rooted in human and not just women’s rights.
Project Management Institute (PMI) identified several megatrends such as civil, civic and equality movements, demographics shifts etc in their 2022 Global Megatrends report. The report paints as an ongoing concern the rising inequality intensified by the pandemic as a contributor to social unrest.
According to the Wits University School of Economics and Finance, while women accounted for less than half (47%) of those employed in February 2021, they accounted for two million, or two-thirds (67%), of the three million net job losses recorded between February and April of the same year.
Although women suffered 67% of job losses, men received two-thirds of Covid-19 grants (65%). As the economy started opening again in September 2021 women’s employment levels were still down 20%, while men were down 13%. The fact that, Covid-19 forced more women than men out of work speaks to both the real and perceived value of women in the workplace.
The reality remains that women have had to find a balance under extreme conditions that the pandemic has presented or needed to drop out of the workforce to focus on their caregiver duties which further diluted their contributions in the workplace or presents challenges they’ll face in re-entering the job market.
Despite studies showing the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for business growth, women and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented and underpaid at all corporate levels.
As such from a project management perspective, it has never been more important to get women back to work as well as more women into work. As the Covid-19 pandemic subsides and companies once again actively seek employees, many women are, however, having trouble resuming or starting new careers.
With 25 million new project professionals needed by 2030, according to PMI’s 2021 Talent Gap report, current labour shortages will only intensify the challenges of delivering projects that are on time, on a budget that meets customer expectations.
Available statistics from PMI show that women only constitute an estimated 20% – 30% of the project management staff worldwide. For women to directly benefit, diversity must be at the heart of sustainability and a preamble to driving solutions and opportunities for women in the project management space.
Overall, the trends we have been witnessing and monitoring combine to present the sector opportunities to build a better, more inclusive, and efficient working environment.
Despite current setbacks, in the longer term, we expect the trend of female participation in the workforce to increase. Equality of access from a gender perspective can hopefully be understood on a more level playing field, one that acknowledges and correctly values and rewards the full contribution of women to economies, beyond the workplace. We also need to recognise the imperative to include more women in leadership so that we can guide more gender-diverse and accommodating cultures.
We believe a lot of the changes that have taken place recently, and observed in the 2022 Global Megatrends report, can be used to achieve greater gender equality.
Remote work, for example, provides flexibility and should over time see more women enter the workforce and stay. Remote work has also been a great leveler for people subject to bias in the workplace.
Many women of colour are reluctant to return to the office, according to a recent New York Times article. In the United States, remote work has also eased the stress of working in predominantly white workspaces and reduced exposure to microaggressions and discrimination.
As far as gender equality goes for a sustainable tomorrow, it will require buy-in from everyone including men.
Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has launched a one-stop-shop website to provide Nigerians with information and resources on renewable energy.
L-R: Taiwo Tella-Ndukwe, Director of Operations; Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director; and Lovelyn Okafor, Director of Programmes, all of the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) during a media parley in Lagos.
The platform, dubbed Distributed Energy Resources (DER), aims to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, emphasized the importance of exploring renewable energy alternatives.
“It’s not just about solar energy, but also solar cookers and hot water systems,” she said. “The key is to find options that fit within your budget.”
“The Nigerian government has set a target of generating at least 30% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. While this goal may be ambitious, CADEF is working to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions”.
The DER website provides information on renewable energy options, including solar power, financing options, and installers. It also offers a platform for individuals and businesses to explore solutions and connect with experts in the field.
CADEF is collaborating with government agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Power, to promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
The organization is also committed to promoting awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions, particularly among rural communities.
In response to questions about affordability, Professor Ndukwe-Okafor emphasized that renewable energy solutions can be tailored to individual needs and budgets.
“While solar energy may not be affordable for everyone, it can provide a viable alternative for those who can afford it,” she said.
CADEF’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards promoting renewable energy in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with energy challenges, it is essential to explore alternative solutions that can provide sustainable and clean energy for all Nigerians.
AS the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) intensifies its public awareness campaign, school proprietors in the FCT have been advised to exercise due diligence by procuring books from legitimate sources to curb copyright infringement and help sanitise the book value chain.
This was disclosed by Mr. Emeka Ogbonna, the Director Operations, NCC, in his address at the General Meeting of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT held at Veritas University, Abuja on 9th October, 2024.
Speaking to the participants, Mr. Ogbonna acknowledged the contributions of the proprietors to the educational development of the nation, emphasising the need for wholesome practices to protect the book ecosystem. ‘’If you must sell or distribute books, ensure you get them from the right sources”, he cautioned.
He said the warning was imperative in view of complaints from right owners and publishers about schools selling pirated books. He stated that the NCC is not opposed to schools selling books, but maintained that due diligence must be exercised by ensuring that all purchased books are properly documented with authentic receipts.
Sensitising the school proprietors further on the tenets of the new Copyright Act 2022, the Director said it is a criminal offence to sell, distribute or be in possession, other than for private or domestic use, works that are pirated. Harping on the stiffer punishments prescribed for offenders by the new Act, he said schools selling or distributing books will be treated as booksellers and subject to the same standard of care.
The NAPPS FCT President, Mrs. Ruth Agboola, commended the NCC and other government agencies in attendance and lauded the Management of Veritas University for hosting the event.
The meeting was also attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja, Rev. Fr. (Prof) Hyacinth E. Ichoku and other officials of the University.
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of the foreign component of its TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention, effective January 1, 2025.
This decision, outlined in a letter dated November 25, 2024, and signed by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, cites the escalating cost of overseas training and an increasing number of scholars absconding as reasons for the suspension. The letter was addressed to heads of beneficiary institutions, including vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.
“In response to the current excessive cost of training in foreign institutions, coupled with the high rate of abscondment of scholars, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TSAS Intervention,” the letter stated.
TETFund has directed beneficiary institutions to prioritize local training within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This shift, according to Echono, is aimed at reducing pressure on foreign exchange, enhancing local capacity, and significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries.
“It is expected that this will conserve and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in our institutions while significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries of the intervention,” Echono wrote.
However, scholars already enrolled in foreign institutions under the TSAS programme will continue to receive sponsorship until they complete their studies, ensuring a smooth transition for ongoing commitments.
CBN Fines 29 Banks N15Bn for Violation of Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Regulations
DBN Bags Financial Inclusion Award for Dedication to MSMEs
NFIU Seeks Advanced Technology to Combat Financial Crimes in Nigeria
Ina Alogwu Joins 9mobile as Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
CADEF Launches Platform to Promote Renewable Energy in Nigeria
Edo State Launches Data Centre in Benin
Echefu Launches LUFT TV, another Pay TV after Failed TSTV Project
UBA, Mastercard Launch Special Debit Card for 75th Anniversary
CBN to Sanction Banks Linked to Cash Hawkers
QNET’s Amezcua Workshop in Lagos: A Glimpse into Wellness & Innovation
E-Financial2 days agoUBA Group Sets Foot in France with Full Banking Services
Broadcasting2 days agoTETFund Suspends Foreign Scholarships Due to Rising Costs and Abscondment
News2 days agoStanbic IBTC Asset Management Unveils Anti-scam Measures to Protect Mutual Fund Holders
E-Financial2 days agoMoneyMaster Promotes Financial Inclusion, Offers more Bonus to Customers
News2 days agoVerve Partners Ali Express On Seamless Cross-Border Shopping
Uncategorized2 days agoNAICOM Signs Agreement with NDPC on Data Protection in Insurance Sector
E-Financial1 day agoCBN Fines 29 Banks N15Bn for Violation of Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Regulations
Uncategorized2 days agoZuckerberg’s Mar-a-Lago Meeting with Trump: What It Means for Tech