Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola
Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has added her voice in commemorating the 2024 edition of International Women’s Day anniversary, with the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’.
Kemi, a resident of Republic of Ireland who mobilized and campaigned for Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll, led the celebration in her private capacity as a mother and also as a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional even as she congratulated women all over the world and particularly Nigerian women for their immense contributions towards societal cohesion and national development.
In a statement she made available to newsmen on Thursday, she said:
“March 8 is a day women are celebrated globally and today we thank God for counting us worthy to be alive to commemorate this auspicious day that seeks to honour womanhood, eliminate gender bias in the workplace, promote gender equality and create a socially-valued opportunities, resources and rewards.”
While reacting to the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion, she emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
“The 2024 theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. It also encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.
“This is also a period to take stock of the work that needs to be done, and of course in Nigeria, we must redouble our efforts in engaging relevant stakeholders that can help in driving the processes of giving women our place of pride across the board. We need to continue to push until we change the mindset of people and improve the participation of women in politics and in other positions of leadership”
“God did not make a mistake by creating a woman. He didn’t create a woman to be trampled upon. He created women to be a help-mate, a partner in progress. This is also a reminder to Nigerian men and everyone to join hands together and move the issue of women forward,’’ Kemi said.
She equally used the occasion of the celebration of IWD to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step up the full implementation of 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership.
“It will be uncharitable for anyone to say President Bola Tinubu has not placed high premium on women empowerment in the scheme of things, however I am of the opinion that he should also speed up the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership.
“He is one leader known for recognizing the invaluable role women have played and still playing in advancing the progress of the country since independence.
“I also appeal to this well-intentioned administration to focus more in appreciating the hard work and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor, from those sacrificing daily in the markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking limits in education, sports, medical field, arts, entertainment and even in politics, where they are still largely under-represented.
“The narrative needs to change in the positive direction for the womenfolk and truly women should be properly cared for, appreciated, celebrated and rewarded because of our pivotal roles in societal development and growth,” she stated.
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