OSUN FIRST LADY, DELEGATES PRESENT GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL PROTECTION TEMPLATES AT THE 68TH ANNUAL COMMISSION ON STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW68) NEW YORK CITY
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of Women.
Osun State through the Office of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs). Titilola Adeleke in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Affairs organized a side event alongside two other NGOs (Nurses Across Boarders and Women in Development and Environment with the UN Women).
The event with the theme; “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress“ with sub theme: Enhancing Gender Equality, Access to Land and Habitat Rights to Accelerate Poverty Eradication, Women Active Participation in Politics and Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS)
In her key note address, the First Lady of Osun State, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Titilola Adeleke raised concerns over various challenges militating against women advancement in several position of trust and other identified other gray areas affecting the progress of women at large. As a strong advocate and voice of women, she affirmed, empowerment of women is not just a moral importance but one with immense economic and social and direct impacts to the society.
Mrs Adeleke therefore reiterated her continuous commitment as the First Lady of Osun to empowering women to making them self sustainable and financially independent while also advocating strongly for gender equality by entrusting more women with trust positions. She urged concerned stakeholders to join hands in combating gender inequality and other vice acts targeted at women, called for increased efforts on protection principles and acts to ensure a just and fair society where women voice at heard.
In her word, Wife of the Chief of Staff, Dr Mrs Balikis Akinleye, enumerated some grey areas where needed to be strengthened to have a achievable plans towards gender equality. She charged women to develop themselves above all odds and be ready to take opportunities that comes for them to show their excellent and unique prowess to the world.
The Wife of the Head of Service, Dr Mrs Mojisola Aina in her paper presentation titled, “Localising the United Nations affirmative Action- Osun State Initiative, problems, progress and Prospects” highlighted various steps Osun State Government has taken in ensuring equal and unhindered opportunities and has prioritised the inclusivity of Women in the active plans. “It is believed that specific context highlighted and challenges faced by Women in Osun will influence various strategies and actions needed to promote gender inclusivity in governance”
Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Barr. Abimbola Babatunde in her paper titled “Enhancing Women’s Participation and Representation in Political Leadership Positions to Accelerate Gender Equality and Implementation of the SDGs” emphasized the need for active collaboration of all stakeholders in ensuring gender equality and the implementation of sustainable development goals.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Children Affairs, Alhaja Temilade Khaleed buttressed the need for all women to be more active in frontline roles as women are proven to be better administrators and managers of resources
In her closing remarks, Director, Gender Affairs, Mrs Lola Adewale stated the need for increasing women’s participation in political leadership as a vital step towards achieving gender equality. By breaking barriers that prevent women from entering politics and advancing to leadership positions, we can create a more equitable society where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of gender.