‘Women, key agents for economic devt’

By Mary Agidi
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Wife of Ondo State governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has emphasised the importance of affording male and female folks equal opportunities in order to ensure gender equality.

Mrs. Akeredolu stated this at the interactive session with women across the 18 local government areas of the state as part of activities to mark the 2020 International Women’s Day, held at the government house ground Alagbaka.

According to her, women are key agents for achieving the transformational, economic and social changes required for sustainable development.

In her speech  read by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, the wife of the governor described the theme of this year’s celebration ‘Each For Equal,  as apt in every essence because women were still marginalised despite many international agreements to eliminate gender discrimination.

She called for a universal support for women to challenge poverty, reduce hunger and build healthier societies, saying, all hands must be on deck from grassroots activism to worldwide action.

She bemoaned discrimination against women in all forms, including physical abuse from husband and brothers, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, rape and  barbaric ideology that women should not be involved in a decision-making process, among others.

Mrs. Akeredolu called for an attitudinal change among women urging them to join forces together against all forms of violence against women.

“Women continue to be victims of rape, domestic violence and conflict. Women and girls continue to be undervalued; they work more but earn less. They have fewer choices; and experience many forms of violence at home and in public places.

 “Let me urge you all to put in all efforts to end violence against women and the girl-child in your homes, offices, churches, mosques and all spheres of life”  she  said.

Mrs. Akeredolu expressed optimism  that women could get to the peak if given the enabling environment to exhibit their potentials to the fullest, she  appreciated the governor for being gender sensitive in all his programmes which were put in place to uplift the status of women and give them a voice in governance.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, lauded the wife of the governor for her continual commitment and support for women development in the state through her various initiatives like FOWOSO, BEMORE, SOLAYO, among others.

The event featured lectures on the importance of International Women’s Day, on safe motherhood, rape, female participation in politics and distribution of goodie bags to the participants.

Female political appointees at the event include the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, SSAs on women mobilisation, (Central),Mrs. Ronke Ojo, (North), Mrs. Akeju, Special Adviser to the governor on Education, Dr. Wunmi Ilawole, Special Adviser on Diaspora, Mrs. Fola Olasehinde and wives of government’s officials, among others.