… Seeks Removal of inequality laws as it honours distinguished Nigerians to mark international Day for the Elimination of GBV against Women , Girls
National Council of Women Society, NCWS has thrown it’s weight behind Women to advocate for an equality bill for Uniform Women and Professionals to get their respected reproductive rights like their male counterparts.
They argued that the inequality laws should be removed from the country with immediate effect.
These were their Summation during 2023 international Day of elimination of Gender Base Violence on Women and the Girls held on Saturday December 9 , 2023 in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
Speaking at the occasion, the state President of NCWS , Bishop Mrs Oluwakemi Odusola tasked stakeholders to begin to establish a bill of equality which will permit women to marry when they want and space their children according to their choice and not to be dictated for .
This, according to her, deprived women of their reproductive rights among others.
She charged women leaders to ensure sponsoring a bill so that they can formulate a law to address the inequality among women.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender, who was the keynote speaker, Hon. Chief Mrs Olamide Falana described the existing laws as discriminatory which affects both public and the private sectors.
Falana who spoke on the the theme : Married and Single Military Women, other Professional Women and their Marriage, charged private employers to employ women and give them freedom to exercise their reproductive rights at work.
The state Commandant of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Alhaji Kayode Mumuni who was represented by one Yetunde, defended restrictions on women marrying at will saying that the agency is committed to ensuring proper unions in gender.
Mumuni affirmed that the agency is gender-neutral in terms of leadership positions.
The Head of Anti-Human Trafficking at NSCDC, Ondo State Mrs. Yemi Elizabeth Faboyo, emphasized the agency’s commitment to gender equality as she noted the agency’s initiatives in fostering a discrimination-free work environment for women.
A representative of the Immigration office in the state, Mrs. Dupe Mary Obasoyin emphasized the importance of dressing responsibly and called on women to train their daughters accordingly.
The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA in Ondo State, Barrister Catherine Ogunjebi criticized the laws hindering women’s reproductive choices in the police force as she calls on the military women to ensure their spouses’ employment and compatibility.
An 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.
Chief Mrs. Margaret Ebun Oladunni advises on encouragement of love, truthfulness, and faithfulness of the women in their homes.
A Commissioner in OSOPADEC, Hon. Mrs. Mosun Odukale, advised women to courageously pursue leadership roles while balancing family responsibilities.
Chief Justice of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, acknowledges women’s societal role, emphasizing unity for collective goals.
The Care taker Chairman of Ese Odo Local Government Area, Hon. Bayo Anifowose, emphasized on the invaluable investment of women in nurturing their children.
Highlights of the occasion include presentation of awards to over 17 recepients among which included; 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.
