By Kudirat Adewale
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating gender equality and empowering women through deliberate policies and initiatives.
Speaking at the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration held at Onikan Stadium on Friday, the governor underscored the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric to tangible action.
This year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global framework for women’s rights.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos is not just echoing the theme but actively implementing policies that break barriers for women across all sectors.
“Gender equality is a societal imperative. In Lagos State, we are not just advocating for women’s empowerment; we are institutionalizing it through economic opportunities, quality healthcare, and education,” he stated.
He highlighted key initiatives, including tuition-free training in 19 Skills Acquisition Centers and the Women Development Centre, aimed at equipping women with the skills needed for self-sufficiency.
Additionally, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to protecting women from gender-based violence, promoting female leadership, and providing access to credit facilities for female entrepreneurs.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the contributions of First Lady Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, for their roles in advancing women’s causes in Lagos.
“Achieving gender parity at the current pace could take over five generations. This is unacceptable. We must act with urgency to dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities where every woman can thrive,” the governor declared.
He called on government agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations to join forces in championing change.
“The incredible women of Lagos are the heartbeat of our society and the driving force behind our progress. Together, we will accelerate action toward a brighter, more inclusive future,” Sanwo-Olu concluded.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, called for urgent and decisive action to advance gender equality and empower women.
She emphasized the need to move beyond rhetoric to practical solutions that uplift women and address systemic inequalities.
The Commissioner highlighted the persistent challenges women face, including economic inequality, gender-based violence, and limited access to leadership opportunities, education, and healthcare.
“Women are the backbone of families, communities, and economies, yet they continue to face barriers that hinder their progress. The time for slow progress is over; we must act with urgency and determination to break these barriers,” she stated.
Dada underscored the Lagos State government’s commitment to gender empowerment, citing numerous initiatives led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MWAPA), which she said included skills acquisition programmes, business development initiatives, and advocacy efforts aimed at equipping women with financial independence and self-sufficiency.
“An educated woman is an empowered woman. Through scholarships, mentorship programmes, and capacity-building workshops, we are ensuring that no woman is left behind due to socio-economic barriers,” she noted.
Beyond economic empowerment, the Commissioner also stressed the importance of addressing women’s mental health, acknowledging the emotional toll of societal and workplace challenges.
She announced ongoing efforts to provide safe spaces, counseling services, and mental health support programmes to ensure women’s overall well-being.
On the issue of gender-based violence, Dada reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advocating for stricter laws, supporting survivors, and ensuring access to justice.
She highlighted the establishment of intervention programmes, safe shelters, and legal aid services for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
“Violence against women is a grave violation of human rights. We need law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and every citizen to join hands in creating a society free of violence and discrimination,” she urged.
Dada also stressed the need for more women in leadership, calling for increased female representation in governance, business leadership, and policy-making roles.
“Accelerating action requires every one of us to be intentional and proactive. Let us not wait for another year to make change happen—let us start today,” Dada said.
