Favour Ishember, Abuja
Abuja recently hosted the 2024 Social Norms Conference, a two-day gathering of experts and advocates passionate about empowering Nigeria’s youth and women.
Under the theme “From Research to Reality,” attendees delved into sociobehavioral solutions for accelerated human capital development.
Keynote speakers Senator Ireti Kingibe and Hon. Ayo Omidiran stressed the importance of youth participation and gender equality.
Senator Kingibe urged young women to take active roles in politics, citing the potential 23% boost to Nigeria’s GDP by bridging the gender gap. “Don’t just stand by as bystanders,” she encouraged.
Hon. Omidiran emphasized parental influence in shaping young girls’ self-perception, advocating for confidence-building without arrogance. “Encouraging a girl to see herself as a leader begins at an early age,” she said.
Amina Ahmad Kabir Nagogo echoed the importance of parental support, particularly from fathers.
“Parents, especially fathers, play a crucial role in building confidence in their daughters by seeing them first as human beings, not just as girls,”
she said, advocating a focus on individuals’ unique abilities rather than their gender. She argued that progress should be based on one’s capabilities and potential, which can be developed over time.
The conference concluded with a resounding call to action: break down societal norms limiting youth and women’s roles.
Speakers urged community support and legislative action to pave the way for inclusive development. As Nigeria looks to the future, one message resonated: empowering youth and women is crucial for sustained growth and national progress.
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