By: Kemi Peters & Tayo Olusanya

Ogun State Government has assured women of their inclusion in decision making in fulfillment of the 35 percent affirmative action, to enable them to have input in governance and overall development of the State.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon, Olufunmilayo Efuwape made this known during the 2022 International Women's Day celebration, at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with the theme, "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow".

Efuwape stated that women were valuable agents that make the system work better, affirming their immeasurable contributions in stemming the tides of the COVID-19 pandemic, other matters in the country and the world at large.

The Commissioner who spoke on the theme for the celebration said, it is crucial to rebuild a gender equality society, that would enable women to participate actively in developmental issues to reduce poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, marital challenges that affect the sexual and reproductive health of every woman.

       "Gender equality is more than just equal representation, but strongly tied to women’s rights which requires policy change. Women are depended upon and often deprived proportionate responsibility for security and basic needs in the society”, Efuwape noted.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi pointed out that women have the fundamental right to contribute to national issues, particularly those that affect their lives, calling on everyone to  support the gender equality course.

        Ogunremi said the Ministry would continue to implement programmes that would provide basic needs and empowerment for every woman in the State, encouraging more women to speak out on decisions that affect their lives and be determined to deliver in their various positions.

In her presentation, the lecturer for the occasion, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde said advocacy for gender equality is essential for rapid socio-economic development of the country, as it would eradicate hunger, poverty, provide better health and education for the family, noting that an unequal society is less cohesive and has a higher rate of anti-social behavior and violence.

Prof. Kehinde opined that some of the ways to stand against gender inequality include, access to education for the girl-child, while women should be given platforms to be in power, so as to achieve economic success.

High point of the event was a health talk on Cervical Cancer by a Reproductive Health Officer at the Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Remilekun Atolagbe.