The African Youths Assembly for Peace on Tuesday, a private organisation, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to provide enabling environment for women to thrive.

Head, Research and Publicity of the organisation, Mr AbdulAziz Yusuf, made this known in Abuja.

Yusuf was speaking against the background of the International Women’s Day 2021.

The United Nations set aside March 8 every year to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Yusuf said it was pertinent for government to provide women with funds for small scale businesses through provision of robust credit facilities.

According to him, women bear disproportionate burden of poverty in the country, hence the need to assist them.

“Government should establish vocational training centers, ensure access to quality healthcare service and provide access to soft loan from the government.

“Women who live in rural areas are often characterized by poverty, illiteracy, ignorance and lack of social amenities hence, they do not have access to credit facilities,” Yusuf said.

He urged relevant authorities to support women to achieve their socio-political and economic goals, especially through the provision of policies that guaranteed gender equality.

“It is important to note that promoting gender-sensitive policies and programmes will address a lot of challenges affecting women.

“Political parties should ensure strict adherence to affirmative action by allocating slots for women in their party structures and manifestoes,” Yusuf said.

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He said government must invest time and resources in programmes aimed at addressing the challenges faced by women so as to improve their health and physical wellbeing.

Yusuf called on women not to relent in their efforts to achieve greatness in life.

“They should always look beyond their setbacks; have positive dreams and believe in their ability to discover their talent,” he said.