The APIN Public Health Initiatives, Oyo State chapter, alongside other stakeholders have called for increased recognition of the place, roles and worth of women in the society for the greater good of all.
The stakeholders made the call on Monday, March 14 during a programme marking the APIN International Women’s Day 2022, held at the APIN Programme Office, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dwelling on the theme, ‘Ensuring a world that is free of biases,’ the facilitators, expressed reservations against what they described as the marginalization and outright exclusion of women from the scheme of things.
One of the facilitators, Dr Kehinde Olatunde of APIN said that “With the current trends, we have to celebrate women. With the way the National Assembly turned down women’s bill, it is clear that we have a lot to do. Together we will make our world a better place.”
According to him, the drive for a world free of bias against women is a journey which would take some time. He, therefore, urged womenfolk not to feel tired or intimidated.
Olatunde lamented that “In some climes, the belief is that women should sit back and not be heard. But, men are beginning to see that women are not our competitors. We should not be discouraged; the calls are being heard.”
Chief Grace Oluwatoye, CEO of Life Builders, said that the time to fight for women’s rights is now and not until the future when the country would have had a change of government as envisaged by some people.
She said that “Waiting till 2023 before we take action is too late. The British slowed us down; that is why you see school certificate holders deciding for PhD holders in Nigeria today. Until we bring motherhood into governance, we can’t do anything.”
Busola Ojo, a pharmacist, stressed the need for women to take courage and break away from the shackles of poverty, saying, “We must instill confidence into our girls and women. The girl child must be educated. Let us remove inferiority complex from our mindset. I believe that when women support themselves incredible things happen. Importantly, women should be financially independent.
“It is not a good thing that women are being discriminated against; women are very influential.”
Bola Omidiji said that “We need a clear-cut policy against discrimination. Can we enlist the support of the wives and daughters of National Assembly members in our agitation?”
One of the participants said that women’s involvement in politics is key, stressing, “When that is achieved, the 35per cent affirmative action would be achievable if not surpassed.
“At the moment, only five of the 109 legislators at the National Assembly are women. Think about it, naturally human beings are selfish. The majority would have their way. To break biases, women should be involved. Legislation is very important.”
Earlier in her address of welcome on behalf of APIN, Bola Thompson said, “This year, we are specially celebrating women’s resilience in the business world and at the home front. We are also celebrating women’s leadership across all walks of life. The pandemic, towards the end of 2021 to 2022, kept students out of school; women were greatly affected.
“It is a known fact that women envy women, but I don’t agree that women don’t help women. Today, we are celebrating women that sacrificed. Our target is to bring an end to all forms of gender biases and violence against women.
“In every nation of the world, women are underrepresented. The National Assembly just rejected the bill for women’s representation. This year’s theme is to remind us of the need to break the biases and barriers.
“It is time for us to take a step to break the barriers. We need to give our girls quality education. We have cases where women/girls lead the pack in education. Today, there is a massive investment in women.
“The objective is to promote and raise awareness on women’s rights and to achieve equal opportunity status in all walks of life. When equality is not respected, we are to raise our voice. It is sad that in some hospitals today, women are not allowed to sign to have surgery.”
Isaac Ologunebi, Finance and Administration, APIN, said, “We are here to celebrate ourselves. Without women, can there be men? Women are so important to life. When God did the evaluation of creation, He decided to create woman to make the man complete. Not celebrating women is not good. Women are the sustainers of planet earth. As we implement the suggestions that are brought forth, we shall be better for it.”
Recipients of the APIN awards of excellence are Mama Moteniola Faleti; Chief Grace Oluwatoye, Chief Wunmi Oladokun of Wunmi Oladokun Foundation, Ogbomoso; and Mrs Christiana Abioye, PS, Ministry of Women Affairs in Oyo State.
Mama Faleti’s daughters, Adebimpe Olakanmi and Aderonke Omowon, while receiving the award on her behalf, expressed delight on the recognition given to their mother in view of her service and dedication.
