By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
In Ekiti State, the significance of International Women’s Day (IWD) extends beyond March 8th, with commemorative events stretching before, during, and after the date.
Spearheading these efforts made by the wife of the Governor Dr Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji and advancing the initiative birthed by the first female head of Service Mrs Peju Babafemi who now sits as the state commissioner for women affairs, is the Ekiti State Women in Management (EKWIM) under the leadership of the state Coordinator and Permanent Secretary Cabinet and Special Services Department, Mrs Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo.
EKWIM is notable for its dedication to women’s empowerment, advancing the course and providing support services for women in the Public and civil service of Ekiti State.
EKWIM has been collaborating with relevant MDAs to enlighten women on taking their rightful position in the society.
Women in the Ekiti State Civil Service, from different cadres, particularly from Cabinet and Special Services department, Human Capital Development, Political and Economic Affairs and the Office of the SSG convened to deliberate on actualizing the goals of this 2024 IWD’s theme “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” as it underscores the strides made in gender equality and the ongoing efforts to ensure women’s empowerment worldwide.
During the program hosted by the Office of Cabinet and Special Services, resource persons brought in by sponsored by EKWIM highlighted two critical points: the need for women to invest in themselves and society’s obligation to invest in women.
The duo of Dr. Mrs. Olabisi Ogunmodede and Mrs. Kemi Akinleye emphasized the importance of addressing barriers to women’s progress in aspects like education, skills acquisition, health, and businesses.
Taking participants in a visual assisted lecture, Dr. Olabisi Ogunmodede, the Director, Special Services explained that women should rise beyond the various barriers inhibiting the success of women in the Southern hemisphere, particularly in the Nigerian settings, and strive by all means to invest in all areas of life including politics, education, legal, security among others.
According to her, respect is not given but it is earned. “We must work towards eliminating discriminatory practices and biases that hinder women’s progress. This definitely includes implementing laws and policies that guarantee equal rights and opportunities for women in all spheres of life. She emphasized that education is a powerful tool for empowering women and girls. By ensuring access to quality education and vocational training, we can equip ourselves and our girl child with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their aspirations and break the cycle of poverty.
Women’s voices must be heard and valued in decision-making processes at all levels. Women’s participation in politics, business, and community leadership positions is essential for driving positive change and creating inclusive societies. Economic empowerment enables women to exercise greater control over their lives and the society, women can unlock their economic potential through positive investment and foster accelerated sustainable development of the society” Stated Dr. Olabisi Ogunmodede.
She charged women to take pride in themselves, noting that they have the natural ability to multitask as well as multiply investment deposited in them. Reiterating it’s high time women began supporting women and stopped victimizing one another.
Olabisi Ogunmodede commended the Government of Ekiti State for implementing the 35 percent quota for women political participation noting that the election of the female deputy Governor, appointment of female SSG, as well as numerous positions held by women in the State had shown the commitment of the State government to gender equality.
Mrs. Akinleye’s session tagged ” Healthy Woman, Healthy Family” emphasized the pivotal role of women in maintaining family wellbeing. She stressed the importance of nutrition, exercise, and regular medical checkups, highlighting how a healthy woman positively impacts her family’s health and stability.
Mrs Akinleye who charged women to eat good food, do exercise, drink a lot of water and shun alcohol intake said regular medical checkups would save women from untimely death. She mentioned that women must learn to manage the premenopausal and menopausal symptoms associated with aging, educating the women that the phase of life will pass by with time.
“When we prioritize our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, we create ripple effects that positively impact those around us. We serve as the nurturing core of families, often bearing the responsibility of caregiving and managing household affairs. Our health and vitality are essential not only for our own sake but also for the welfare of our loved ones.
A healthy woman is better equipped to fulfill her roles effectively, whether as a mother, partner, daughter, or caregiver. By prioritizing self-care and wellness practices, we can sustain the energy and resilience needed to navigate the demands of daily life, while fostering a healthy and progressive environment for our families” stated Mrs Akinleye.
Reflecting on past IWD themes from 2021to 2024, the EKWIM state Coordinator and Permanent Secretary of Cabinet and Special Services Department, Ekiti State, Mrs Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo in her address, called for proper investment in the girl child and cautioned against viewing feminism as a quest for matriarchy. She urged collaboration for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all genders, highlighting the evolution towards a more inclusive future for both men and women.
She noted the changing narratives regarding women in leadership roles, citing the increasing presence of women of merit in positions of power, saying that the roles of women are crucial for socio-economic development, when given the right tools and opportunities to excel in their respective fields.
The PS emphasized the indispensable role of women in promoting productivity and innovation in the public service, urging them to strive for greater representation and recognition of their contributions by demonstrating competence, capacity, and responsibility in order to overcome marginalization and discrimination.
She called on the male gender to support the critical investment in women and stop physical and psychological abuse of women to foster a more peaceful and progressive society.
The Director Cabinet, Mr Femi Babatope who also attended the program commended EKWIM for it various initiatives.
Some of the Participants including Mrs Olayinka Olatilu, Mrs Adedoyin Ayeni, Mrs Titilayo Talabi and Mrs Gbemisola Olasusi lauded the annual program describing it as a chart to women’s progress in the public service of the state.