The First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake Abdul Razaq, has stressed the importance of economic self-reliance, personal development and political participation as key drivers of women’s development.
She stressed the need to protect women’s rights, ensure the education of adolescent girls and protect them from harm, including child marriage and gender-based violence.
Abdul Razak stated these at the launching ceremony of the intervention initiative jointly organised by Chidimma and Habilah (CHF) and Seed of Praise Youth, Women and Children Centre (SEPCEYOWOC).
The First Lady, who spoke on behalf of Mrs Adewui Victoria, suggested that inclusive decision-making was essential in a community participatory approach to promoting the rights of women, girls and youth.
She said: “Inclusive decision-making is essential to promote community participatory approaches that protect the rights of women, girls and young people. They need to be actively involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring processes.”
She called for prioritizing capacity building through training and empowerment efforts for local people to protect the rights of women, girls and youth.
“Accountability and regular monitoring are crucial to ensure progress,” she noted, stressing that these efforts place women, girls and young people at the heart of creating solutions that promote equity and justice while addressing their unique needs and perspectives.
In support of this, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Olanrewaju Rebecca Bake, stressed the importance of prioritising women and adolescent girls and addressing their challenges.
“We must always prioritise the education and empowerment of women and girls and address the social norms and gender barriers that impede their development,” she said.
In his address, the Chairman, Kwara State Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Adaramadja (acted by Mr Funmi Afolayan), expressed the agency’s support for the intervention project.
The SUBEB head said the collaboration with development partners such as Chidimma and Habila Foundation and the Seed of Prize Centre for Youth, Women and Children was in line with the state’s 10-year sustainable development plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on quality education.
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