Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, says women empowerment guarantees economic growth.
She made the remark at a two day conference of Women International Networking (WIN), with the theme: ‘Leading the Way’, in Abuja on Wednesday
According to her, empowering women will help in development of a nation in terms of productivity and competiveness.
She further stated that human capital had become the key in developing a nation and a space waiting for women to be developed as well as support national integration.
Ezekwesili said government should put oil aside and depend on human capital and as well develop industries and entrepreneurship, adding that government exists to improve the quality of citizen’s lives.
“There is a profound place to make sure you are not wasting women because empowering women is smart economics.
“It is an indication that we need deeper conversation that women should build themselves as dynamite.
“Every one has a purpose and the purpose has to be fulfilled and thinking of how to improve their standard of living.
“No amount of oil can be a substitute to women”, she said.
She urged women to be fearless and pursue their goals as well as overcome political and economic barriers.
Ezekwesili further encouraged the women to spend time investing in knowledge adding that it was required in achieving their goals.
She said it was realisable for a woman to aspire and become an important person.
Kristin Engvig, founder, WIN, urged women to collaborate in order to actualize their dreams.
Engvig added that support for each other was essential in helping women realize their potentials as well as develop them.
“It is time for women to rise and collaborate, be a little more open to each other and line out their dreams.
“Women should also be quick to contribute, share dreams and support each other.
“They must not listen to any one that dissuades them because it can be heretical and must not accept intolerable behaviours.
“In your life, you must be the one woman who can stand and say I can do it”, she advised.
The founder also admonished women to be committed in pursuit of their dreams adding that it was key in actualizing it. (NAN)