1st January, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
It was three days of serious talk and charting of the pathways for economic and political inclusion of the female gender as the ‘Liberators, as members of StandUp For Women Society, SWS, returned to Abuja for its Second National Conference held between the 13th to 16 September 2023.
SWS had in 2021 inaugurated its national executive committee in Abuja, an action described by the then national president, Barrister Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, as the starting point of action plan to defend the cause of women and ensure their relevance in all ramifications.
SWS proceeded to hold its first national conference under the theme “Women in Leadership” in Lagos. However, SWS returned to Abuja in 2023 as a bigger organisation with its roots and branches not only in all states of Nigeria but with 36 international chapters.
The Second National Conference held over three days at the Top Rank Galaxy Hotel was bigger as it featured different activities and lectures delivered by carefully selected experts on topics related to the theme of the event, Women: Bridge Builders In Good Governance and Societal Balance
Barrister Ijadele-Adetona who is now the International President of the Society had at the grand finale of the event chaired by former Ogun Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, reiterated the fact that women are the engine room of families, pillars of the family and joy of the nation is his welcome address to the delegates.
She also reiterated the importance of the inclusion of women to the growth development and prosperity of the country.
“The key in prosperous societies and sustainable countries is through women’s political participation and participation in decision making through women’s economic empowerment and access to resources and through ensuring women’s security and access to justice,” she said in her opening address. She therefore called for an end to all discriminatory practices against women.
This, she said must be backed up by empowerment of the female gender: “ We must work together to empower women and expand economic opportunities in politics, business and beyond. And we must back our resolve with resources because we know investments in gender equality yield greater returns across society.”
While reiterating that improvement of the position of women in the is also about ensuring a thriving society, Barrister Ijadele-Adetona advocated that governments, business leaders and decision-makers should make conscious efforts to facilitate gender inclusion even through temporary measures like the use of quotas to not just to increase the number of women, but to increase the diversity and quality of our decision making and board rooms. She identified other factors needed to facilitate the inclusion of women including legislation, critical cultural shift, solidarity, unity and partnership.
Barrister Ijade-Adetona set the stage for other lectures delivered to the applause of the delegates at the event.
The highlight of the petition was the address of the keynote Speaker, Mrs Christy Laniyan, the Project Director, the Global Fund Impact Project and Family Health
International, FHI360, on the topic Women: Bridge Builders In Good Governance And Societal Balance. Laniyan, in her lecture emphasized the importance of education and building up of competency for the advancement of women in the society. She also said women must understand cultural barriers specific to their geographical areas and be able to navigate them for their own advancement.
Laniyan called for an end to the usual reservation of the position of women leaders for women when it comes to political participation, noting that it has become a limitation to women’s participation and political growth.
She said: “The structural barriers that do not allow women to participate in governance should be removed. For instance, in political participation, many women are not allowed in the proper structure of a political party. They create a women’s wing, which implies that they are treated differently.
“Women do not have to be limited. Political parties should not create structures that stereotype them into a role. If there are 15 positions to be canvassed for, part of the affirmative action should be that seven of such positions should be given to women. The role of women’s leaders should be scrapped.”
Laniyan concluded that women should not neglect their role at home as mothers and wives even as they are advancing in their careers and other engagements.
Also, the co-founder of Stand Up for Women, Olatunbosun Oladimeji, called for the empowerment of women in society, stressing that this is necessary for the country’s economic growth and development. The different state chapters also recounted their achievements in terms of the pursuit of the ideals of the SWS in their communities through advocacy, the fight against gender based violence, and empowerment activities for which they have been receiving recognition and awards.
The event was rounded off with awards to those who have contributed to the advancement and empowerment of women across various strata of life.
The recipients include Governor Yahaya Bello and Niger State Governor who were honoured for their tireless efforts in promoting women’s inclusivity in governance.
They were conferred with the prestigious Standup for Women’s Society (SWS) National Distinction Award which recognises inclusion of women in governance beyond the Beijing 35% affirmative action.
Also, leaders of the state chapters were honoured for their various contributions to the growth of the SWS. Speaking on behalf of the other African countries chapters, Lib. Ndeyewa Ceesay, the Country President of Gambia, Ceesay said, that African women must unite to advocate for the rights, privileges and active participation of women in governance and business circles.