As the world celebrates this year International Women’s Day, it is imperative for relevant Stakeholders to rise up towards ensuring gender equality and breaking systematic barriers that hindered the progress of women especially in Nigeria.
Former First Lady of Oyo State Dr Florence Ajimobi stated this at the 2025 international women’s day organized by Zonta Club of Ibadan.
Mrs Ajimobi who is the guest speaker emphasized the for women to continue to support each other while championing the course of gender equality and issues affecting women in the society.
” We are gathered here with a common purpose to accelerate action that will transform the lives of women worldwide.Gender equality for me implies the principles that all people regardless of gender have the same rights and opportunities.It is a fundamental human right that is essential for peaceful and sustainable society.In essence Gender equality means that the right, responsibility and opportunity of individuals will not depend on whether they are Male or female, handicap or able bodied ,Young or Elderly White or Black, Rural or urban setting ” Mrs Ajimobi said
In her address the President Zonta, Mrs Christianah Nnanna emphasized the need for members to recommit themselves to accelerating actions that promote women’s empowerment,gender equality and inclusivity.
” Today we gather to recognize the achievements, contributions and progress made by women globally and within our Zonta international club.As we celebrate,we also acknowledge the ongoing struggles and challenges that women face daily “.
” Zonta international recognizes the systemic barriers,biases and inequalities that hinder women’s empowerment and prevent them from reaching their full However today we choose to focus on the positive,guided by this year’s theme.” Accelerate Actions”.In the spirit of Zonta ,we have adapted this theme to Accelerate Actions in the women’s world.”President said
The event also featured presentations of awards to some distinguished members of Zonta for their lofty contributions to the development of their immediate society and for being an advocate of women’s right and gender equality.
The awardees included A legal luminary Zontian Folake Solanke(SAN) Zontian Justice Titilola Mabogunje , Zontian Professor Oyinade Olurin, Zontian Dr Olapeju Nwuga and Zontian Princess Marie Ekpere