Abuja: Plan International Nigeria has emphasised the urgent need for gender balance in governance, stating that women and girls continue to be excluded from key policy and decision-making processes. The Country Director of the organisation in Nigeria, Charles Emmamuzou-Usie, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sidelines of the Gender Inclusion Summit.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Emmamuzou-Usie highlighted the importance of equality for girls, noting that women and girls are often left behind in crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and financial inclusion due to existing policies and decisions. He explained that the summit was organised to promote discussions aimed at closing the gender gap and fostering inclusive governance, budgeting, and service delivery that cater to the needs of women and girls.

Plan International Nigeria is dedicated to advocating for children’s rights and gender equality, particularly by enhancing access to education and ensuring girls remain in school. Emmamuzou-Usie pointed out the challenges faced by girls, such as missing school days due to menstruation, which need to be addressed to achieve gender equality.

He further disclosed that Plan International Nigeria is operational in 19 states across the country, implementing projects to improve educational access, especially for girls. The organisation has been involved in building, renovating, and equipping 540 schools across these states, alongside training teachers to enhance educational quality for children.

Empowering girls with equal opportunities and skills is crucial for achieving true gender equality and societal progress, Emmamuzou-Usie stated, urging the public to support and encourage women and girls to thrive and lead in the future.

NAN reports that Plan International Nigeria is a global humanitarian and development organisation, established over 85 years ago to advance children’s rights and gender equality. The Gender Inclusion Summit is an annual event organised by the Policy Innovation Centre under the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).