Women support greater gender equity

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Nigerian women in academia, healthcare and advocacy are highlighting the need for continued efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors.

This claim was made in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.

Prof. Sade Alade, Director, Center for Counseling and Human Development, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, said the day should serve as a reminder of the resilience and contribution of women.

“International Women’s Day is not just about celebration; it is also about reflection.

“Women have broken barriers in education, science and leadership, but we still face systemic challenges. Equity must move beyond slogans to become policy and practice,” she said.

Likewise, Dr Nike Aina, Principal Assistant Registrar at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), highlighted the importance of women’s participation in educational leadership.

“Education is the foundation of empowerment. Women must not only be beneficiaries but also decision-makers in defining policies that affect schools and communities.

“Inclusion in leadership is vital to sustainable progress,” he said.

Mrs. Bola Oduwole, a preacher and advocate for gender equality, stressed the moral and social responsibility of society to uplift women.

“The emancipation of women is not only a social duty but also a spiritual mandate.

“When women are given equal opportunities, they nurture families, communities and nations.

“We must break the chains of discrimination and embrace equity as a collective responsibility,” he said.

Dr Kemi Olugbenga, a public health specialist, highlighted the need for greater institutional support for women in science and research.

“Women in healthcare and research continue to make innovative contributions, but are often underrecognized.

“We must create enabling environments where female scientists and professionals can thrive without prejudice or barriers,” she said.

Ms Funke Ilori, an entrepreneur, urged support for women-run businesses.

“Economic empowerment is key. When women thrive in business, communities thrive. Access to credit and mentorship should be prioritized,” she said.

Ms Kafayat Ibrahim, a civil society advocate, highlighted the need for representation, saying: “We cannot talk about equality without women at the decision-making table.

“From local councils to national assemblies, women’s voices must be heard.”

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Ms Ayo Olapeju, a businesswoman, agrees that while progress has been made, more work is needed to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for women and girls.

NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu has consistently positioned his administration as a champion of gender equality, focusing on the empowerment of women and girls through educational, economic and legislative initiatives under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

(NAN)

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