AMBODE’S WIFE CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF BARRIERS IMPEDING WOMEN’S PROGRESS
As
Lagos joined the rest of world to mark this year's International Women's Day
celebration, wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode has called
for the removal of barriers impeding the progress of women in the country.
Speaking at the Women's Day celebration
held at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, Mrs Ambode
said women must be ready to challenge stereotypes and should rise up to
question old established practices that were not women-friendly.
March 8 every year is observed worldwide
as International Women’s Day, to celebrate the achievements of women, beam the
searchlight on challenges facing them and to push global activism for total
women’s emancipation.
Mrs. Ambode said: "We must remove
barriers that stand in the way of the progress of women. When we stand
together, we can achieve anything and any obstacle can be pulled down.
"We must nominate and support women
for emerging opportunities, whenever they arise. Supporting one another is a
duty we owe and must carry out every time for women to move on, “she said.
The First Lady said though grounds
remained to be covered, women must not lose sight of where they were coming
from, hence the need to celebrate their achievements always.
She said that the theme of this year's
celebration, "Press for Progress" was suitable as it gave assurance
of greater successes as women pressed further.
She identified literacy, health,
economic empowerment, politics and governance, as areas of noticeable success
for women, stressing that they served as impetus of courage for women to press
further for progress.
The Governor’s wife submitted that while
gender parity would not be achieved overnight, it certainly would not take
eternity.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor,
Akinwunmi Ambode reiterated his administration's commitment to protect and
uphold the dignity of women in the State.
"We will continue to give maximum
support to all agencies and institutions established to promote the welfare and
economic empowerment of women. In line with our administration's inclusive
policy, we shall continue to provide equal opportunities for all citizens
without prejudice to gender and socio-economic background.
Ambode, who was represented by the
former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Aderenle Adeniran-Ogunsanya
said the theme of the celebration was apt as it reminded women of the need to
be steadfast and not relent in advocating for positive change and moving
forward in all areas of human endeavour.
"Beyond the traditional role of
home keeping as mothers and wives, there is a lot women can contribute to
national development. It is an indispensable fact that some progress have been
made over the years as a result of sustained advocacy by government
institutions, and most especially, non-governmental organisations.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and
Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Dr. Lola Akande charged men to make commitment to
wage war against domestic violence and all forms of discrimination against
women.
She also implored them to be ambassadors
in the campaign to restore fully, the dignity and rights of women, seeing them
as partners in the task of raising successful children from peaceful and
progressive homes.
AMBODE’S WIFE CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF BARRIERS IMPEDING WOMEN’S PROGRESS
Reviewed by IFEDAYO AKINWALERE
on
9:41:00 pm
Rating: