Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, others kick against Gender-Based Violence as HID Awolowo Foundation organises webinar
By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS — Globally, November 25 is earmarked as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women which marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
This is an opportunity to exray some of the changes confronting women as well as proffering solutions as the case may be.
The 16 days usually call for a sober reflection, accountability and action from stakeholders and decision-makers.
Last Tuesday, the HID Awolowo Foundation organised a webinar with the theme,‘Building a viable society in challenging times: The critical role of women’,under the chairmanship of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was the distinguished Guest of Honour while the Distinguished Guests included His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State; His Excellency, Mr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State. Her Excellency, Professor Olufolake Abdulrasaq, the First Lady of Kwara State and chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives’ Forum, was the Special Guest.
The keynote address was delivered by Her Excellency, Dr. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.
Distinguished Panelists at the event included former first lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Ms Ada Osakwe; former Ekiti State deputy governor, Her Excellency, Senator Abiodun Olujimi; and Professor Funmi Para-Mallam.
Professors Oyeleran Oyeyinka and Jumoke Yacob-Haliso moderated the event.
In her Keynote address, Dr. Amina Mohammed, opined that 65 per cent of women live below the poverty line.
According to her, “We rank 125th on the Global Gender Gap Index. Female legislators hold seats in only 13 out of the 36 state houses of assembly—an important step, but still a far cry from the full representation women deserve.”
She eulogised the virtue of the late HID saying, “the key to addressing these challenges can be found in the inspiring example and legacy of Yeye Oodua HID Awolowo.
“Her unique balance of grace and grit, and her commitment to hard work and public service, exemplify the transformative power of women.
“Her life was one of profound impact—one that transcended titles and accolades. She was a woman who understood that leadership is not defined by one’s position but by one’s position but by one’s purpose. She stood tall beside Chief Obafemi Awolowo, not as a shadow but as an equal and strategic partner in the fight for social justice and equity in Nigeria.
“Together, they envisioned a future of hope, equality, and opportunity, a vision that Yeye Oodua carried on even after his passing.”
In her address, Fayemi said the history of Nigeria is not completed without mentioning the contributions of late Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo and her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “the former Premier of the then Western Region of Nigeria, was a legend, and our history as a country is never complete without reference to his achievements, perspectives and soaring vision. His wife, fondly known as Mama HID, by virtue of the role she played in his life and the contributions she made to society at large, is a legend in her own right, and unlike many other political spouses, she will not go unsung.”
In her welcome speech, the Foundation Chairman, Senator Daisy Danjuma, said, The HID Awolowo Foundation was established to preserve and promote the enduring legacy of our matriarch, Chief (Dr.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. Mama’s life and work remind us that women possess not only the strength but also the wisdom, resilience, and innovation to shape a better society, even in the most trying circumstances, which she was famously associated, having been described by her husband as his “JEWEL OF INESTIMABLE VALUE”.
“Today, as we gather virtually, we are reminded that the challenges we face—from economic instability to social inequality, cannot be addressed without the active participation, leadership, and vision of women. Women are the backbone of families, communities, and nations, and their role is indispensable in fostering peace, progress, and sustainable development.”
Earlier in her welcome address, Convener, HID Awolowo Foundation, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, seized the occasion to remember the legacy left behind by the late matriarch saying, “As we gather virtually, permit me, first of all, to honour the legacy of Yeye Oodua
Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolọwọ, CON, whose resilience, and resolute commitment to her husband’s vision of societal development continue to inspire generations. Her life exemplified the transformative power of women as builders of families, communities, and nations, even in the face of daunting challenges.
“Charged with managing the home front, she went far beyond this role, becoming a driving force in her own right. Mama was a woman of remarkable entrepreneurship and resilience, who not only supported her husband’s vision but also stepped into the arena when times demanded it. She demonstrated an ability to adapt, lead, and
make critical decisions, ensuring that the family’s mission—and the legacy they were building—stayed on course.”
The webinar drafted a Communique which saw the participants, special guests, keynote speakers and panelists observing as follow:
That HID Awolowo’s legacy must be continually highlighted as a compass for national development.
That Mama HID Awolowo supported Papa Awolowo to build strong institutions that have outlived them.
That the challenges Nigeria faces from economic stability to social inequality cannot be addressed without the vision of women.
That in building a more viable Nigeria, women need to be mentally and materially empowered to effectively play their expected roles.
That supporting women is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.
That women are not just caregivers but also powerful inspirations for societal progress, playing critical roles in fostering development.
That Mama HID Awolowo was a remarkable woman whose life serves as a beacon of inspiration for addressing systemic barriers and challenges faced by women in Nigeria and beyond.
That no country can achieve its full potential unless women are fully included in its growth and governance processes.
That women who are trailblazers compel us to confront the limitations placed on women.
That women historically spearheaded the fight for justice, equality, reproductive rights and the fight against domestic violence.
That women’s rights are human rights and must never be negotiated.
That insecurity is a gendered experience and should be so tackled.
That women face the greatest risks in Sub-Saharan Africa, including maternal mortality, girl-child marriage, female representation in Parliament.
That there are more girls than boys out of school in Nigeria.
That insecurity has robbed rural women of their livelihoods in several places, such that women often can’t go to farm without fear of rape and murder.
That the existence of baby factories constitutes violence against women and humanity.
That across the globe, women remain at the forefront of efforts to tackle socioeconomic challenges.
The following challenges were identified:
Finance continues to be a big constraint for women.
Women-led SMEs are financially underserved.
Women face gender-based violence.
Women face economic exclusion.
Society does not allow for healthy debates on the value of political spouses.
There is the persistence of significant challenges, including systemic barriers and limitations that continue to hinder women’s progress.
Women face sociocultural barriers that militate against their mental and material growth.
We must reverse policies that impede equality in society.
Nigeria should explore practical ways to mobilize women in building a virile nation.
It is important to build the capacity of women and girls, as this is crucial for societal progress.
The nation we must build is one where no girl is denied a chance to learn, where no woman is denied the chance to lead.
There must be collaborative efforts to empower women and address national issues effectively.
There must be partnerships for systemic and sustainable change.
The scourge of gender-based violence must be expunged once and for all.
Men must stand with women as allies, just as Mama HID did with Chief Awolowo
Women’s rights and potentials must be amplified for national development.
There should be a recommitment of all stakeholders to gender equity in Nigeria.
For effective security of all including women and children, Nigeria should deploy more technology in its security architecture.
Partnerships with political spouses should be scaled up, particularly for philanthropic endeavours.
More research, data and information on the roles and impact of political spouses be made available.
Political spouses should set examples in empathy, compassion and modesty.
Political spouses should be above board for them to be seen as true agents of change and development.
First ladies must prioritize lasting legacy projects that can create sustainable impacts.
We must dignify and celebrate the achievements of women while also advocating for increased leadership roles and representation for women.
There should be more intellectual engagements on how to use HID Awolowo’s legacies to address some societal development issues in Nigeria.
We must expand self-employment opportunities for women.
The digital literacy gap must be bridged to accommodate more women.
Women in leadership positions must be supported to contribute to national development
We must champion policies that protect the right and dignity of women.
Today, technology has given women an opportunity to amplify their voices.
There is the need to create more firms and expansion of private sector wage employment for women.
