The Anglican Archbishop of Awka Diocese, Province of the Niger, Alexander Ibezim, has called on women to rededicate themselves to praying against the continued injustices in the society.

He explained that women are better positioned for such task because they alone have the greater qualities necessary for achieving it without distraction.

Ibezim made the statement in Awka while addressing women on the 2020 Mothers’ Sunday.

He regretted a United Nations report which shows that according to the gender labour force participation rate, women aged 25-54-year-old is 63 percent compared to 94 percent for men.

Ibezim said the rate showed that women and girls have not only been continuously segregated in the work places, but by extension, have been left to suffer extreme poverty.

Said he: “What can each and everyone do to reduce the gap between men and women in workplace? Don’t always think the next person should do that or the government. We all should get involved.

“I warn that women should not be subjected to torture and harassment in workplaces as it deters them from aspiring to break the glass ceiling. Workplaces should not be unsympathetic to working mothers.

“Women empowerment brings in inclusive, fair and balanced society.”

The Archbishop urged society to frown at gender-based violence or violence against women and girls in all its ramifications noting that it is belittling.

He described gender based violence as a global pandemic that affects one in three women in the world.

The cleric said: “Let me use this mothering Sunday to call on companies in Nigeria to be gender sensitive by building an inclusive workplace in order to entrench gender diversity in workplace.

“I am of the belief that in order to attract and retain talented women in companies, gender diversity would be a deliberate act by the industry to give opportunity for more women to join the labour force.

“This, I believe will not only bring about inclusiveness and dynamism in the economy but will engineer competitiveness and growth in the companies.

“I passionately appeal to companies and organisations to discard gender inequality in workplace and promote gender diversity by integrating women for new scopes and opportunities needed for societal balance.

“I am of the opinion that if the society collectively and deliberately rises against gender inequality, we have begun a move to fight and reduce poverty in our societies and opening up for better and sustainable development, good governance and a progressive society.

“I advocate actions targeted at empowering women in all facets of life and career by shunning domination by a single sex in work places. Women should be considered in leadership roles and not be stereotyped or discriminated. Individuals, be them women or men. People with right attributes should be given leadership roles.”

While challenging women in positions of authority to mentor others and also assist other women to advance in their chosen careers, he enjoined organisations to improve on their childcare support facilities saying that lack of childcare and inadequate childcare support from organisations reduce chances of female participation in some career belts.

Speaking on spousal homicide, Ibezim tasked women to be loving whenever provoked and always allow reason to prevail.

His words: “Women should enjoy their marriage rather than kill their spouses. I detest domestic violence and I urge all parties to a marriage to practice tolerance in order not to be associated with domestic violence. I hate violence as a way of expressing one’s anger.

“People should be able to jaw-jaw and resolve their problems rather than resort to killing their spouse. Violence against women must not be tolerated, but women must bridle their tongues always and respect their husbands. Men, I charge you to love your wives.

“There is no justification for domestic violence. Domestic violence against women must be condemned by the Church and society.

“I don’t like it either when the media make justification for homicide on the part of the men. The media should stop glorifying homicide. It should be condemned.”

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