The Olu of Ilegbo Kingdom, Osun State, His Royal Mayesty, Amb. Adetoyese Abayi has lauded the efforts of the President and founder of Southern Women Empoerment Forum for supporting women and men who are struggling with basic financing to support their business.
This is even as the first Lady of Bayelsa State, Mrs Helen Diri said that it time for women to support each other and even aspire for higher political positions and even the presidency arguing that women are better managers of home and society.
The duo made the call in their good will messages during the inaugural conference of Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF), with the theme: “Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in Nigeria”.
In her speech, the Bayelsa first lady said that women must not support each other.
She said, “Today’s meeting and gathering is for us to see how we can lift one another, to see how we can project one another. You know, the men will always say that women are their own problem. They are their own enemies, but I don’t want to think that we are our own enemies.
“If you’re up there, come down and pull somebody off, along with you. As we do that, I believe that the South will not be backward, we will always be forward”.
On the same note, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has given assurance that the house will re-introduce and support the bill on special seats to reserve for women in the ongoing constitution amendment to ensure that women get more presence in the political arena.
Abbas who was represented by Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Otunba Adewumi Onanuga, stated that democracy could only be meaningful and attractive, when it ensures the inclusion and participation of all segments of the society irrespective of faith, gender, identity, and other class divisions.
“I make bold to say that there can be no democracy and indeed, development without women,” he said.
The Speaker assured that the house will pass the gender equal opportunities bill “to ensure women are active and equal participants in Nigeria’s political and decision making processes.
“The house will strengthen oversight of government institutions to ensure compliance with the National Gender Policy,” as well as “the full implementation of the 35 percent Affirmative Action on appointing an elective position in both public and private sectors.”
Former first lady, Dame Patient Jonathan also charged the forum to remain committed to the goal of advancing women’s rights and economic independence.
Jonathan who is the National Grand Matron of the forum, recalled that as Nigeria’s first lady, she diligently applied “to the advocacies to mentoring women to occupy no less than 35 percent of both elective and appointive positions in our country.
“Then I found that Woman for Change and Development Initiative as my pet projects to advance this course.”
Mrs. Jonathan who was represented by Mrs. Adike Iloma, promised to make herself available to work with members of the forum.
“I believe that gradually we shall build the capacity of women in our country to adequately equip them for the tasks of guiding our nation to peace, progress and prosperity,” she added.
President of SWEF Dr. Helen Adebakin said she is committed to championing the cause of women empowerment and breaking down the barriers that have held women back for far too long.
Dr. Adebakin assured that the forum would strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential without being confined by outdated notions of what it means to be a woman.
“As we navigate the dynamic landscape of women’s empowerment, let us engage in insightful discussions, share experiences, and forge partnerships that will propel us towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
“Together, we can create a future where every woman is not only free to dream but is also empowered to turn those dreams into reality,” she stated.
Dr. Adebakin presented cash empowerment to about 10 men and 10 women randomly selected from different parts of the country.
Also in his address, Director and African Representative, Kata-Kara Afrobeat Society of Canada Inc. Canadian Black Farmers Association, Dr. Osanyin Babajide said that empowering women will go a long way into lifting the society out of poverty.
He said, “Women empowerment can lead to social cohesion, and reduced conflict. Women are often the primary caretakers of their communities and when they are empowered, they can better advocate for the needs of their community members. Women empowerment has been linked to improved economic performances, increased political participation and reduced level of violence.
“When women are empowered, it benefits not only women themselves but their families, communities and the entire society. When women have access to education, economic opportunities and political representation, everyone benefits”.
Present at the event were wife of former first Lady of Ebonyi State Mrs Eunice Egwu, wife of former governor of Lagos State Fatima Raji-Razaki, former member that represented Langtang North, Langtang South federal Constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Beni Lar, Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic party Amina Arong and other notable women.
