….as ABUAD partners UN Women for HeForShe Campaign
Grace Nwafor
The founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, has called on women to fight for their rightful place in politics.
The founder made the call during the 2025 International Women’s Day Celebration themed: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality” organized by ABUAD in partnership with UNWomen at the Alfa Belgore Hall of the school.
In his remark, Babalola decried the inability of some women to attain educational qualification while attributing it to some religion that restrain their women from schooling.
Citing the recent rejection of the Gender Equality Bill by the National Assembly, Babalola emphasized the existence of discrimination towards women especially in political involvement.
He therefore directed women to draw the attention of the United Nations and stand up for the review of all laws, customs or practices that forbid women from participating in politics or forbids children from going to school.
Delivering a lecture, UN Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong reiterated the UN Women’s commitment to achieving a world where every woman and girl has equal opportunities free from discrimination and violence.
Represented by the UN Program Officer, Prevention & Mitigation, Ibrahim Nurudeen, Ms. Eyong asserted the UN Women’s effort in Nigeria in advocating for gender-responsive policies, supporting women’s political participation and working with communities to prevent gender-based violence through various initiatives.
Eyong emphasized the need for men to be allies, not aliens in the fight for gender equality as gender inequality does not only harm women but holds men back in profound ways.
She commended ABUAD for her Sexual Harassment Policy Document and urged other institutions to emulate such strides.
Eyong however called for active engagement in the fight against Gender inequality hence, the need for the launching of the HeForShe Campaign which calls on men and boys to take active role in challenging gender discrimination.
Similarly, the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro in her lecture called on government at all levels to strengthen and advocate for legal framework that promote gender inclusion, enforce law against Gender based violence and implement policies that supports women’s economic empowerment.
She also harped on the need for men’s involvement in the fight as their disengagement perpetuates harmful masculinity that harms both men and women, create a society that is unjust and imbalanced even for the future generation.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Smaranda Olarinde commended the UN Women for their partnership and contribution towards the success of the celebration while appreciating the founders foresight which she said propelled ABUAD to it’s great heights.
On the record of gender equity and inclusiveness in the school, the VC gave data of women to men representation which she said exceeds the United Nations Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC) minimum benchmark of 30% female representation in decision making positions for corporate organizations, and aligns with the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
She further called for the need to uphold the values of equity, respect and inclusion, ensuring that ABUAD remains a beacon of excellence and progress.
Other guest at the event were Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, Ekiti Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs.Babafemi represented by the Permanent Secretary, Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, Commandant General Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Mr Toma Matthew, Dean’s of Faculty’s, Provost’s of colleges and other members of the university community.
Highlights of the event were, launching of the ABUAD HeForShe Campaign, cutting of the ABUAD IWD cake, video clip on the progress of gender equality,dance,drama and spoken word presentations.
