…..calls for accelerated action on women’s empowerment
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Chairperson of Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), Nigeria, Mrs. Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi has issued a strong call for accelerated action on women’s empowerment, urging women to critically evaluate their progress and push for greater strides.
Speaking at the annual event in Lagos organized by WiLAT, with the theme: ‘Accelerate Action’, Mrs. Sheidu-Shabi emphasized the significance of IWD, acknowledging it as a day dedicated to celebrating and supporting women globally.
However, she stressed that recognition alone is insufficient.
“March 8th, while internationally significant, is not enough, we need to take the bull by the horns and show the world that we have made substantial progress. Every year, we should review our achievements and acknowledge how far we have come.”
She stressed the need for internal evaluation, urging women to assess their progress in careers, marriages, and all areas of life.
“For us in WiLAT, IWD is a day for collective reflection,” she explained. “We must examine our scorecards, identify remaining challenges, and determine how to push forward.”
While acknowledging WiLAT’s global achievements, reaching 38 countries in just 15 years, Mrs. Sheidu-Shabi expressed concern about the pace of progress within Nigeria.
“Globally, I see more consciousness for women, but the pace is not as expected,” she noted.
Specifically, she pointed to recent events in the Nigerian Senate as a stark reminder of the need for greater action.
“What has happened in the Senate in the last few weeks has shown me that we have not accelerated enough,” she said, referencing the suspension of a female senator.
“Where is the support from other women, including fellow senators and activists? We need to see more women standing in solidarity.”
Mrs. Sheidu-Shabi rated WiLAT’s global scorecard as “good,” recognizing its rapid expansion. However, she gave a less favorable assessment to Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for women to actively support each other and demand greater representation and influence.
She asserted, “We need to see women carrying placards for each other, advocating for each other, we need to see more female activists making their voices heard.”
In a presentation on the theme, Mrs. Josephine Nimma-Ande emphasized the need for a collective effort to promote women’s empowerment and equality, advocating change, supporting and sharing inspiring stories, and enforcing legal and policy reforms to promote gender equality.
Nimma-Ande noted that Nigeria has made some progress in promoting gender equality, but there is still much work to be done.
She stressed the need for inclusive policies and laws that promote equal pay, reproductive rights, and protection against violence, particularly in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and the workforce.
The celebration held at Murtala Mohammed international Airport Terminal 2 featured the presentation of appreciation award to deserving women and large turn out of WiLAT members and invited guests.
The public Relations Officer, Mrs Queen Ajayi gave the vote of thanks promising another memorable celebration in 2026 by WiLAT.
