FORMER VICE PRESIDENT JEWEL HOWARD TAYLOR INSPIRES GS 24 SUMMIT
Lagos, Nigeria: Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor delivered a rousing and impassioned speech at the 2024 Policy Innovation Centre Summit on Gender and Inclusion (GS 24) on September 5th, 2024. The summit, held under the theme *Reimagining Gender-Inclusive Pathways and Partnerships for Poverty Reduction*, brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, officials, development partners, and delegates from various sectors to delve into critical issues shaping the future of gender equality and inclusive development.
In her address, Former Vice President Taylor expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the summit and shed light on the paramount importance of gender equality in advancing sustainable development goals. With unwavering conviction, she underscored the urgent need to address systemic inequalities, empower marginalized communities—especially women and girls—and strive towards a more equitable and just society for all.
Taylor emphasized the profound significance of inclusive governance and the active participation of all members of society in decision-making processes, harkening back to the words of Nelson Mandela, who believed that “the real makers of history are the ordinary men and women of our country.” She called upon attendees to reimagine gender-inclusive pathways and partnerships as vital tools to combat poverty, gender violence, and underdevelopment, urging stakeholders to explore new approaches and summon the political will necessary to effect positive change.
Drawing upon her own experiences of facing discrimination and doubt throughout her political career, Taylor shared poignant and powerful anecdotes of overcoming challenges as a woman in leadership. Her narratives resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the critical importance of political will in advancing gender equality and empowering women to participate fully in governance and development processes.
Throughout her address, Taylor’s message was clear and resolute: it is imperative to challenge traditional norms, dismantle barriers to equality, and foster a more inclusive and gender-responsive policy landscape. Her words served as a clarion call for collective action to address deep-rooted inequalities and create opportunities for all individuals to thrive and contribute to a more prosperous and equitable future.
As the curtains drew on the GS 24 Summit, Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor’s speech stood as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of gender equality and inclusive partnerships in driving sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts across Africa and beyond.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Taylor recounted instances where she encountered obstacles and discrimination in her pursuit of economic opportunities and political advancement. Despite holding a degree in Economics from a prestigious institution in her home country, Taylor revealed that she was repeatedly offered only clerical positions when applying for jobs in the United States, highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder women’s career advancement and economic empowerment.
Furthermore, Taylor expressed her frustration at the limited economic opportunities available to women, emphasizing that being directed towards microcredit options often perpetuated cycles of poverty without viable means of repayment. She also shared the personal struggles of balancing her political ambitions with family responsibilities, illustrating the sacrifices many women make in their pursuit of professional success.
Despite facing harassment and criticism for her aspirations, Taylor’s unwavering determination and the support she received from both male allies and women and girls have been instrumental in her growth and success. This network of support has enabled her to thrive and emerge as a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
In a powerful call to action, Taylor emphasized the urgent need for reimagining gender-inclusive pathways and partnerships to address poverty and inequality. Citing a UN Women report, she underscored the importance of adopting a holistic approach to gender equality, dismantling existing structures of oppression, and empowering women and girls to drive progress, unity, and development.
Taylor concluded her speech by urging all individuals to rise to the challenge of promoting gender equality and changing the status quo for the better. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in this vital discussion and called for collective action to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
As Taylor’s words reverberate and inspire, her message serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the imperative to work together towards a more just and equal world.
The summit itself marked a pivotal milestone in advancing the gender agenda, setting the stage for collaborative and concerted action towards building a more just, equitable, and inclusive world for all individuals, irrespective of gender, background, or circumstance. Former Vice President Taylor’s impassioned advocacy for gender equality and inclusion reverberated throughout the summit, leaving an indelible mark on all those present and inspiring a renewed commitment to effecting positive change in the pursuit of a more prosperous and equitable future for generations to come.
