The Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in conjunction with Nigeria for Women Project NFWP State Project Coordinating Unit have joined member nations to commemorate the 2024 International women’s day.
The yearly event which was aimed to appreciate past and present roles and efforts of women iin developmental process of any nation, evaluating women’s struggles, challenges and opportunities for growth in different phases of life such as economics, education, psychosocial, health, security, political and gender equality.
Delivering her keynote address at the event, held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, with the theme ‘’Inspired Inclusion, Invest in Women for Accelerate Progress’’, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, acknowledged that in a world full of gender stereotypes, bias, and discrimination, the occasion was a significant moment to celebrate outstanding women who were making their way through innovation, excellence, and service delivery.
She added that the present administration remains steadfast in promoting an enabling environment to encourage women’s participation in evidence-based policies and more empowerment initiatives, pointed out the benefits enjoyed by women in the “Oko’wo Dapo” empowerment scheme and Nigeria For Women Project.
Salako-Oyedele reiterated the State Government support to continue to do more by driving economic growth while reducing gender disparity and improving access to healthcare services for women, with more leadership positions accorded to them in the state.
Also, speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye called for more inclusion and participation of women in all spheres of human endeavours and societal issues towards ensuring a gender-responsive society.
Hon. Adeleye said the event was an opportunity to celebrate achievements and resilience of women across the globe, acknowledging the persistent challenges hindering their full participation and inclusion in different spheres, noting that women had over the years, played pivotal role in driving the progress of societal values which had propelled community development and enhanced economic wellbeing.
She added that the feat was made possible through investments, education, access to resources, and opportunities for leadership roles. She sought for collective actions of all stakeholders to dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society, emphasising that gender inequality, discrimination, and violence against women remained pressing issues that demanded urgent attention and concerted action from all stakeholders.
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She admonished the beneficiaries of the empowerment items which included chest freezers, industrial burner, sewing machine among others, to ensure judicious use of the tools for their businesses towards self-sustainability also advised 16 Collective women groups drawn across NFWP and the ministry who exhibited their finished farm and non-farm products at the event to come up with initiatives that would break the cycle of poverty in the country.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluwaseyi Sokoya, affirmed that women had been contributing to nation-building, community development and social progress, reiterating government’s commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women in the state by empowering them, to improve their livelihood.
In their separate remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Woman Affairs, Chief Mrs. Ayotunde Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer, Elegant Apparel, and a gender advocate, Mrs. Damilola Otubajo and Dr. Moji Akinsanya respectively, urged women to explore opportunities around them, to achieve their set objectives, challenging them to come up with initiatives that would expand their businesses to contribute meaningfully to the progress of their family, community and the nation at large in order to enable them break the cycle of poverty in the country.
Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Omolaja Busayo and Mrs. Akinwunmi Muibat lauded the present administration and the Ministry for the gesture, promising to ensure proper usage and maintenance of the tools received.