Yemisi Dada
In commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, IWD, there is a need for the government at all levels to be committed to mitigating barriers hindering women’s advancement to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
Executive Director of an NGO, HDI Foundation, Nigeria, Mrs Olufunso Owasanoye, made the call in a statement to commemorate IWD, 2025
Speaking on this year’s theme: Accelerating Actions for Women’s Empowerment, Mrs Owasanoye, advocated gender equality with a call on Civil Society Organizations to push for laws and policies that promote women’s rights and equality, using multifaceted approach, involving individuals, society, culture, institutions, and systems.
“The journey to women’s empowerment requires a multifaceted approach, involving individuals, society, culture, institutions, and systems. Many women face significant challenges in finding their place, being valued, and recognized. Societal attitudes, perpetuated through both overt and subtle messages, have led numerous women to accept their marginalized status.
“This process is evident even within the family unit, where women are often belittled by their partners during conversations, with demeaning remarks such as “What do you know?” or “My opinion is what matters.” Unfortunately, this pattern of behavior is also prevalent in various public and private institutions, further entrenching the cycle of marginalization, leaving them feeling silenced, with low self-esteem and rendering them invisible which ultimately led to debilitating emotional health issues, potentially crippling their well-being if left unaddressed or improperly managed.”
Mrs Owasanoye urged the government to establish more supportive structures to enable women to achieve their dreams, build their self-esteem, and access education and skill development opportunities.
“Beyond these actions, we must prioritize women’s emotional health and well-being. We must create a supportive environment where women feel valued, confident, and empowered to achieve their dreams.
To all women, we say: believe in yourself, stay strong, and remember that you deserve to be celebrated. Please take a moment to hug yourself – you are worthy of love and appreciation.
Let’s work together to create a world where women are empowered, audible, and visible in every area of life”
Mrs Owasanoye called for more media representation by showcasing women’s achievements and celebrating their successes through social media and other platforms as well as support women in leadership, by encouraging and empowering women to take on leadership roles.
She also encouraged women to amplify their voices by contributing to discussions and decision-making processes.