Sola POPOOLA
Wife of the Ekiti State governor Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji has hinted of a renewed commitment to gender equality and women empowerment .
According to her ,there is still much ground to cover as touching gender inequality.
Speaking at this year’s International Women’s Day, Mrs Oyebanji said gender equality and women’s empowerment remain unfinished business in the state.
This year’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality,” emphasizes the need to empower women and girls around the world through the use of technology and education. In this digital age, women and girls must not be left out in digital education.
“I am honored to be a part of this year’s commemoration of International Women’s Day as the wife of the Governor of our dear State. This day provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress and accomplishments of women globally and in Ekiti State in particular.
“Women’s activism for change has been driven by oppression and inequality, dating back to the historic 1908 march of 15,000 women in New York City. The United Nations acknowledged the first International Women’s Day in 1995, and since then, it has become a yearly practice to celebrate women globally.
“The government has made the welfare of women a top priority in its Seven-Point Agenda, and it will continue to prioritize it in its development plan. The government is committed to ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities in all aspects of human endeavors, particularly in education, politics, and socio-economic participation, resulting in a more gender-balanced, diverse, and inclusive society.
“On this note, I encourage all women in attendance to support all APC candidates, especially our women aspirants, in the upcoming Ekiti State House of Assembly election to enhance governance and add a voice towards advocacy for better opportunities for the women. Women make up a significant portion of the world’s population, and their active participation in all spheres of life, be it politics, socio-economic activities, among others, will go a long way in promoting gender equality.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adeloye Femi-Olusola said the day was designated for the celebration of international women’s day in Ekiti state.
Femi-Olusola said, “The day is significant in the sense that it is set aside to celebrate the achievement of women in all areas of life, politically, socially, academically .
” That is why we are gathering here today to celebrate our women courtesy of the governor of the state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji. We have his support and he gave us everything needed to celebrate the day . We also we have our mother here, the wife of the governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji as the leader of the women in the state, so, we are all happy and elated.”