By Ramat Ayo Ismail
The Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs joined the global community in celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day with a walk to selected markets in Ilorin metropolis.
The road show was aimed at sensitizing women on the need to protect women and female children from all forms of abuse.
The awareness walk was staged in collaboration with Michael Imodule National Institute For Labour Studies (MINILS).
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Opeyemi Afolashade, reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of women and children.
Afolashade who spoke through the Director of Personnel and Finance, Mrs Ramat Akanni Adenike urged families and community members to support government efforts in eradicating all forms of violence against women and children.
She highlighted the need for continuous advocacy and active participation in initiatives that promote gender equality and child protection.
The commissioner further emphasized that protecting young girls from abuse requires a collaborative effort involving parents, educators, policymakers, and law enforcement agents.
She said the theme of the occasion, which is; “All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” was very timely as it strikes the core of their challenges
She expressed concern that despite their immense contributions and sacrifices to society, women had continued to face barriers in many areas of lives
She stated that Kwara State Government has been taking giant strides in ensuring that, Children and Women in the State live fulfilling lives.
This is achieved by the conviction of His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq about the innate qualities of women to drive peaceful and prosperous society.
‘Consequently, 35% Gender Composition Bill (GCB) was signed into law which have positive grounds in gender mainstreaming”, she stated
By this, women are invariably given voices.Equally, this administration has put in place legal framework especially Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to ensure protection of Children in the State.
Also in her contribution, Director women, Alhaja Idiris called on community leaders to play a proactive role in creating awareness and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women and children face the full wrath of the law.
The Ministry encouraged residents to remain vigilant, report cases of abuse, and support initiatives that foster a safer and more inclusive society for all.
In her remarks, the Assistant Director Training and Development, Hajia Biliqis Alaya noted that women are unique creatures equipped with talents and skills that can make the world a better place.
She, therefore, charged every woman to stand up and build a strong bond that is capable of breaking all forms of limitations to the growth of women ans children.
