Empowering Women To Build Nations

Yesterday, March 8th, was International Women's Day. Every year, it is celebrated all over the world marked by an incredible range of activities, events, projects and traditions.

The meaning of this day is as diverse as the individuals and groups who mobilize around it. Activities range from celebration, to call for action, demonstrations, marches, recognition of inspirational women, reflections on past struggles and achievements, plans for goals to accomplish in the future...

Save Our Needy celebrates the millions of women around the world who are making incredible contributions to global development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved by 2030 if women are not empowered. SON theme this year for Women's Day is: ''Empowering Women To Build Nations.''

When women and girls can exercise their rights and live in good health and dignity, their families, communities and nations will prosper. Today, it is a known fact that women are the backbone of the rural economy particularly in Africa.

Early/forced marriage, violence against women and girls, gender inequality, human trafficking and female genital mutilation are some of the very important issues that need to be tackled if women are to contribute wholesomely to nation building and economic development.

Supporting women and girls is not just about good governance, it is also about smart development.

Happy #IWD2016!!!

We Stand With Girls Everywhere

 

Yesterday, October 11, was the International Day of The Girl. The UN's theme for this year is “The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030. The theme highlights the importance of girls to achieving the global goals for sustainable development. Simply put: In order to attain the Global Goals by 2030, we have to reach girls.

The International Day of The Girl gives us the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary power of girls to change the world if educated and empowered.

We cannot claim to be living in an advanced world if 62 million girls are still out of school and 15 million girls a year are married before 18. This must change!

Here are a few reasons why we should all stand with girls everywhere and rise up for girls' rights:

• Every girl no matter where she comes from or lives, has the right to go to school, stay safe from violence, access health services, and fully participate in her community.
• Empowered girls mean healthier families. When girls are educated, healthy, and empowered, families are healthier.
• Empowered girls are key to breaking the cycle of poverty for families around the world.
• Empowered girls strengthen economies. According to a new Brookings report, “Increasing the number of women completing secondary education by just 1 percent could increase a country’s economic growth by 0.3 percent.”
• An empowered girl is 10 times more likely to know her right and protect herself from HIV/AIDS.
• Every girl has the right to be in charge of her future and her fate. 

We have the collective obligation to protect girls' rights and promote their well-being. Let's join hands to unlock the potential of girls particularly in Africa.

Are you still hesitating? It is time to take action! Every girl deserves to fulfill her dreams.

#GirlPower

Goodbye MDGs, Welcome SDGS

It's Official! The new Global Goals also known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been announced. It's GOODBYE to the MDGs and WELCOME to the SDGs.

Yesterday, September 25th 2015 at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 193 world leaders signed and committed to the new 17 global goals which will set the development agenda for the next 15 years. By 2030, they hope to : End extreme poverty. Fight inequality & injustice. Fix climate change.

On September 24th, more than 100 countries #UnderOneSky hosted #LightTheWay events around the world to usher in the new Global Goals.

Young men lighting the way for a better future in Nigeria

UNILAG Multipurpose Hall, was where Nigeria chose to #LightTheWay. It was historic as people came from all walks to life to honor this event.

Mr. Edwin Ikhuoria, Country representative, ONE, Nigeria making a Powerpoint presentation on the new Global Goals

Nigerians were better educated about the new goals via a PowerPoint presentation made by Mr. Edwin Ikhuoria, Country representative, ONE, Nigeria.

CEO, Save Our Needy, Marvella Odili, 2nd right at the event

ONE, founded by award-winning Grammy singer, Bono of U2, in collaboration with other non-profit organizations including Save The Children, BudgiT, NNNG, Save Our Needy and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center hosted this spectacular event.

Program Manager, Save Our Needy, Jerry Odili poses in front of the banner used for the event

There was lots of music, food, comedy and dance to entertain guests. A symbolic act of turning on all sorts of lights particularly torchlights was performed by everyone present to #LightTheWay for a better future.

Free Action 2015 t-shirts were given to everyone present.

See below list of the 17 new Global Goals:

1. No Poverty
2. No Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
10. Reduce Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships For the Goals               

 

SON Joins ONE Campaign To Light The Way In Nigeria For New Global Goals

Nigeria will not be left behind as preparations are in top gear to light the way for the new Global Goals also known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will be setting the development agenda for the next 15 years. They will be replacing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

On September 25th 2015, world leaders will sign up to the Global Goals at the United Nations in New York.

ONE in partnership with non-profit organizations including Save Our Needy, Save The Children, The Future Project, Budg iT, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), NNNG, amongst others will be hosting over a thousand people in Lagos, Nigeria to Light The Way for a better future. 

Take Action NOW!

Join ONE.org Nigeria to #LightTheWay for the new #GlobalGoals on Thursday, September 24th at UNILAG, Auditorium, Lagos. Time: 4pm

#TellEverybody Let's join hands as ONE to make our leaders accountable and #EndExtremePoverty

It's a Global Gathering to END Poverty, Stop Inequality and Fight Climate Change!!!    

Lights, music and lots more will be available. First 500 participants will get free Action2015 t-shirts! Be there!

The "Strong Girl" remix featuring Bono, Waje, D'banj, Banky W amongst others will be launched at the event.

Nollywood A-list actor turned politician, Honorable Desmond Elliot will be giving the keynote speech.

Let's #LightTheWay for CHANGE. Don't just sit on the fence. #GetInvolved

Your voice counts.
#Action2015

Learn more: www.one.org