Analysis of Hon. Sharif Bashir’s Speech on International Women’s Day 2024

Hon. Sharif Bashir begins his speech by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address the audience as the newly appointed SDGs coordinator for Zamfara State. He started by highlighting the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: ‘Investing in women: Accelerate progress.’ The opening aims to establish a connection with the audience and convey the importance of the occasion.

Recognition of Women’s Contributions

Bashir acknowledges the power and resilience of women in the community, acknowledged their significant contributions to shaping society. This acknowledgment lays the foundation for the subsequent focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Gender Equality as a Collective Effort

Honorable Bashir emphasizes that International Women’s Day is not only about recognizing achievements but reaffirming the commitment to gender equality. Bashir stresses the diverse nature of the journey towards gender equality, emphasizing the need for a collective effort from all sectors of society.

Economic Imperative of Investing in Women

A key point in the speech is the economic importance of investing in women. Bashir supports this claim by referencing studies that show the positive correlation between women’s empowerment and economic growth. This argument serves to appeal to a broader audience, including those who may prioritize economic considerations.

Challenges Faced by Women and Girls in Zamfara State

The speaker addresses the specific challenges faced by women and girls in Zamfara State, including issues related to education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and political participation. This recognition of local challenges adds to the contextual relevance to the speech.

Relevance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sharif Bashir integrates the SDGs into the discourse, highlighting Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality. By putting in line the local efforts with global development goals, the speaker points out the universal importance of the cause.

Transformation Beyond Goal Achievement

The speech moves beyond the attainment of specific goals, stressing the need for a broader societal transformation. Bashir discusses dismantling harmful stereotypes and creating an inclusive environment where every individual can flourish irrespective of gender. This unbiase approach is a clear indication to the commitment towards gender equality.

Personal Commitment as SDGs Coordinator

Hon. Sharif Bashir explicitly commits to tirelessly working towards advancing the rights and interests of women and girls in Zamfara State. The commitment is obvious through various means, including policy advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement.

Call to Collective Action

The speech concludes with a powerful call to action, urging everyone to join in the noble endeavor for gender equality. Bashir highlights the importance of collective efforts, inviting allies and advocates to stand together in promoting the rights of women and girls.

Acknowledgment and Inspiration

The final part of the speech pays homage to the countless women who have paved the way for progress. Bashir encourages drawing inspiration from their courage and resilience as society continues its march towards a more just and equitable future.

Honorable Bashir Full Speech

Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen,
As we celebrate this year’s “International Women’s Day” under the theme ‘Investing in women: Accelerate progress’, I am filled with a profound sense of honor and privilege to address you as the newly appointed SDGs coordinator for Zamfara State. In this moment, I am reminded of the immense power and resilience of the women in our community, whose contributions have shaped our society in countless ways.
International Women’s Day is not just a day to recognize the achievements of women; it is a day to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Here in Zamfara State, we understand that the journey towards gender equality is multifaceted and requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.
Investing in women is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic imperative as well. Study after study has shown that when women are empowered, economies grow, communities thrive, and societies flourish. By investing in the education, health, and economic empowerment of women and girls, we can unlock their full potential and accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
As we navigate the political, cultural, and socioeconomic realities of Zamfara State, we must recognize the unique challenges faced by our women and girls. From access to education and healthcare to economic empowerment and political participation, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every woman and girl in our state has the opportunity to thrive.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a roadmap for our collective efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society. Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality, is particularly relevant to today’s celebration. By prioritizing investments in women and girls, we can unlock their full potential and create a brighter future for all.
But achieving gender equality is not just about achieving a specific goal; it is about transforming hearts and minds, dismantling harmful stereotypes, and creating an environment where every individual can flourish regardless of their gender. It is about recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every woman and girl and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
As the SDGs coordinator for Zamfara State, I am committed to working tirelessly to advance the rights and interests of women and girls across our state. Whether it’s through policy advocacy, capacity building, or community engagement, I will do everything in my power to ensure that gender equality remains at the forefront of our development agenda.
But I cannot do it alone. I call upon each and every one of you to join me in this noble endeavor. Let us stand together as allies and advocates for gender equality, amplifying the voices of women and girls and championing their rights at every turn.
In conclusion, let us not forget the countless women who have paved the way for progress, often in the face of great adversity. Let us draw inspiration from their courage and resilience as we continue our march towards a more just and equitable society.

Thank you.

Sharif Bashir
Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals
Zamfara State

Overview

Hon. Sharif Bashir’s speech effectively blends local context with global goals, identifying the economic and moral imperatives of investing in women. The speech is structured to engage the audience, presenting a call to action while recognizing the challenges and celebrating the contributions of women.

Bashir’s personal commitment as the SDGs coordinator adds credibility and accountability to the message, making it a compelling call for collective efforts towards gender equality.

Further Reading About The International Women’s Day

The celebration of International Women’s Day goes beyond national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political divisions. Originating from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe, the day has evolved into a global event honoring women’s achievements. Read more

Global Recognition and United Nations Involvement

Since its early years, International Women’s Day has gained a new global dimension, carrying women along in both developed and developing countries. The international women’s movement, strengthened by four global United Nations women’s conferences, has played a special role in transforming the commemoration into a rallying point for building support for women’s rights and their increased participation in political and economic spheres.

Building Support for Women’s Rights

The day serves as a platform to recognize women for their accomplishments and to advocate for gender equality. Over the years, it has become an annual occasion to boast the global call for women’s rights, promoting solidarity among diverse communities worldwide. The commemoration has evolved into an essential milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

UN’s Official Recognition in 1977

International Women’s Day received official recognition from the United Nations in 1977. This has further elevated the significance of the day on the international stage, pointing out its importance in addressing women’s issues globally.

International Women’s Day 2024

The theme for 2024 revolves around imagining a gender-equal world a world that is not only diverse, equitable, and inclusive but also values and celebrates differences. The rallying call is to collectively forge women’s equality and inspire inclusion.

The campaign encourages celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and taking proactive steps to drive gender parity. The hashtag #InspireInclusion serves as a powerful reminder that inclusivity is the cornerstone of the International Women’s Day 2024 movement.

Conclusion

As we mark International Women’s Day in 2024, the focus is on unity, collective action, and the shared responsibility of creating a world that embraces and celebrates the diversity of women’s experiences.