Help women dismantle the barriers

THE EDITOR: It is unimaginable and disturbing that the space for women to thrive is still shrinking despite the evangelical zeal for equal opportunities, justice and fairness.

The progress that has been made in opening up environments that nurture and cultivate women’s emancipation is still questionable. From the political arena, company directorships, science and technology to business and leadership, the representation of women is still far too low.

Women’s full and effective participation and leadership in all areas of life drives progress for everyone. Women in developed countries or developing countries are still facing some man-made insurmountable obstacles which prevent them from unlocking their potential.

In some countries women are still oppressed on the pretext of tradition and culture. They experience rape, forced marriage, genital mutilation and lack of access to education.

It is also disgraceful that gender stereotypes are often used to justify violence against women. They include violence against women and girls, intimate partner violence, domestic violence and sexual violence.

It is vital that everyone, men and women, should be involved in creating an atmosphere which opens up opportunities for numerous women to flourish in their endeavours.

HANDSEN CHIKOWORE

London