A PAPER
TITLED "UNDERSTANDING MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3."
PRESENTED BY REV (MRS.) ANULI AUSBETH-AJAGU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
YOUTH & GENDER NETWORK AT THE YGN WOMEN CONFERENCE/SKILLS
ACQUISITION WORKSHOP ON FRIDAY, MAY 16TH 2008, @ BRITISH COUNCIL,
NO. 20 THOMPSON AVENUE, IKOYI, LAGOS.
WEBSITE: www.youthgendernetwork.org
E-MAIL: info@youthgendernetwork.org
TEL: 01-7305929, 08050253550
INTRODUCTION
There are 8 Millennium Development Goals, which
Nigeria targets to attain by the year 2015. Millennium Development
Goal 3 (MDG 3) says:
"Promote Gender Equality and Empower
Women." If this goal is achieved, it will help in
the attainment of the other MDGS.
STATISTICS & STATUS OF NIGERIAN WOMEN
About 50% of the population in Nigeria are females, yet they are
under represented in public life and decision making, discriminated
against, denied equal access to basic social amenities, and bear
the brunt of poverty and all its related negative effects.
WHY DO WOMEN NEED TO BE EMPOWERED?
Gender equality and women empowerment will help
Nigeria in the following ways:
1) Eradicate Extreme Poverty and hunger
(MDG 1)
• Better jobs for women
• Improved living conditions of themselves and their Families
2) Achieve Universal Primary School Education
(MDG 2)
Empowered women will ensure that:
• All of their children, both boys and girls are educated
• Other children regardless of gender have access to universal
primary education
3) Reduction of Child Mortality (MDG 4)
• Empowered and educate women can provide better nutritional
and other health needs for their children (immunization
etc.)
• Empowered and educate women are less likely to fall victim
to forced or early marriage, thereby supporting
the health of mother and child when the time is
right.
4) Improved Maternal Health (MDG 5)
• Empowered and educated women can better protect their
sexual and reproduction rights
• They also have access to maternal health care services.
5) Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and other Diseases
(MDG 6)
• Empowered and educated women can better appreciate risky
behaviours and the need for hygienic and sanitation
practices in order to prevent HIV, Malaria and
other deadly diseases.
6) Ensure Environmental Sustainability (MDG
7)
• Empowered and educated women can access better housing
• They are better able to understand the need to find alternative
sources of the fuel, avoiding degradation of
woodlands and the environment
• They also understand the need for environmental hygiene
and proper waste disposal system.
7) Develop a global partnership for development
• Empowered and educate women are more inclined to good
governance, human development and international
relations.
• They will also have better opportunities to be relevant
in global partnerships and development.
Factors That Promote Women Empowerment
& Gender Equality
• Education
• Information
• Enlightenment
• Positive Mindset / Attitude
• Social Development
• Rule of Law and conventions when properly implemented.
• Moral Ethics and values
Factors Militating Against Gender Equality
and Women Empowerment.
• Negative Attitudes
• Chauvinism
• Religious bigotry
• Low self esteem and complex
• Parental gender prejudice
• Underdevelopment of the Nation
• Poor character traits in women (promiscuity, pride, selfishness,
greed, undue anger, indiscipline etc.)
Some Women Whose Empowerment Has Made
a Positive Difference In Human Society
• Helen Keller (Disabled, yet giving hope to many).
• Mother Teresa (Charity, love and Care for the poor and
helpless)
• Mary Slessor (Crusade against killing of twins).
• Prof. Dora Akunyili (Sanitization of Food and Drug Industry
in Nigeria).
• Late Pastor (Mrs.) Bimbo Odukoya (Moral rejuvenation and
character building messages for youths, women
and married couples).
• Mrs. Maryam Babangida (Founder of Better Life Programme,
who used her office as Nigerian First Lady to bring
gender issues to national consciousness).
• Dr. Ngozi Iweala, (World Bank Managing Director, doing
Nigeria proud international).
Conclusion
Women equality and empowerment will make Nigeria, Africa and the
globe a better place. Men and women should become partners in
progress for the promotion of world peace and the advancement
of human society. | 
