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Elimination of GBV: Ondo Women Advocate Equality Bill For Uniformed Women, Others.
Ondo State women have joined their voices against all forms of Gender Based Violence, GBV, while making a case for equality bill for Uniformed Women and other professionals towards enjoying reproductive rights like their male counterparts.
The concerned group argued that inequality laws should be expunged from the country with immediate effect.
This came to the fore at the 2023 International Day of elimination of Gender Based Violence on Women and the Girls held on Saturday December 9, 2023 in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Gender, who was the keynote speaker, Hon. Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana described the existing laws in the country as discriminatory affecting both the public and the private sectors.
Speaking on the theme: Married and Single Military Women, other Professional Women and their Marriage, Falana charged private employers in the country to employ women and give them freedom to exercise their reproductive rights at work place.
President of the National Council For Women Societies, Ondo State Chapter, Bishop, Mrs. Oluwakemi Odusola tasked stakeholders to begin to advocate for a bill towards achieving equality, that will in turn permit women to marry when they desire and to give space according to their choice and not to be dictated to.
Odusola noted that depriving women of their reproductive rights among others is against their inalienable rights, calling on woman to continue to strive to address the inequality among women.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ondo State, Alhaji Kayode Mumuni, defended women marrying at will, saying that the agency is committed to ensuring proper equality regardless of gender.
He affirmed that the agency is gender-neutral in terms of leadership positions.
The state Head of Anti-Human Trafficking, NSCDC, Mrs. Yemi Elizabeth Faboyo, emphasized the agency’s commitment to gender equality as she emphasized the agency’s initiatives in fostering a discrimination-free work environment for women.
Also, representative of the Immigration office in the state, Mrs. Dupe Mary Obasoyin stressed the importance of dressing responsibly and called on women to train their daughters accordingly.
Similarly, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA in the state, Barrister Catherine Ogunjebi criticized the laws hindering women’s reproductive choices in the police force as she called on the military women to ensure their spouses’ employment and compatibility.
Similarly, women equality rights advocate, Mrs. Grace Awodola harped on women’s unity and self-education for empowerment.
Former NTA General Manager, Mrs. Tinu Olowofela, advised on proper raising and guiding daughters towards becoming future-oriented companions.
On her own part, Chief Mrs. Margaret Ebun Oladunni advised on encouragement of love, truthfulness, and faithfulness of the women in their homes.
A Commissioner in Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission,OSOPADEC, Hon. Mrs. Mosun Odukale, enjoined the women to courageously pursue leadership roles while balancing family responsibilities.
Chief Justice of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, acknowledged women’s societal role, emphasizing unity for the achievement of collective goals.
The Caretaker Chairman of Ese Odo Local Government Area, Hon. Bayo Anifowose, emphasized the invaluable investment of women in nurturing children in the society.
Highpoint of the occasion include presentation of awards to over 17 recepients namely, Otunba Ojo Adedeji Afolabi, Mrs. Olamide Falana, Chief Mrs. Ebun Oladunni, Chief Mrs Akinnagbe, Hon. Mosun Odukale, Hon. Mrs. Jedo, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, wife of Ayede Ogbese, Olori Olufunmi Oluyede, Chief Mrs Grace Animola, Mrs Tinu Olowofela among others.