HID Awolowo Foundation’s webinar: Zero in on Women’s Critical Role In This Challenging Times ( Communique)

Communique of the HID Awolowo Foundation’s webinar on BUILDING A VIABLE SOCIETY IN CHALLENGING TIMES: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF WOMEN 

November 26, 2024

COMMUNIQUE

The HID Awolowo Foundation organised a webinar on Monday, November 25, 2024, with the topic: ‘Building a viable society in challenging times: the critical role of women’, under the chairmanship of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was the distinguished Guest of Honour while the Distinguished Guests included His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State; His Excellency, Mr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State. Her Excellency, Professor Olufolake Abdulrasaq, the First Lady of Kwara State and chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives’ Forum, was the Special Guest.

The keynote address was delivered by Her Excellency, Dr. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.

Distinguished Panelists at the event included former first lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Ms Ada Osakwe; former Ekiti State deputy governor, Her Excellency, Senator Abiodun Olujimi; and Professor Funmi Para-Mallam.

Professors Oyeleran Oyeyinka and Jumoke Yacob-Haliso moderated the event.

In line with the thematic focus of the seminar, each of the panelists and other speakers X-rayed the current position of women in the scheme of things in Nigeria, the challenges they face, and the roles they are expected to play in building a viable society, and what needs to be done to address the challenges.

The Convener of the Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, in her welcome address, said the webinar was organised to provide an incisive analysis on the state of women in the building of Nigeria, as well as their expected roles, how well they have played the roles, the challenges they faced and the way forward. She said the aim of the webinar was not just to discuss the critical role of women but also to identify actionable strategies that empowered women to lead and contribute effectively to societal transformation. She, in addition, urged participants “to reflect on how we can, collectively and individually, support the advancement of women and amplify their voices in every sphere of life.”

She noted that in the partnership of Papa Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Yeye Oodua, Chief Mrs HID Awolowo, we find lessons for our times as “they teach us that even in the darkest times, we can find light through vision, courage, and the strength of partnership. They teach us that challenges are not barriers but opportunities to rise, innovate, and persevere.” She added that “as custodians of their legacy, we bear the responsibility to share these timeless lessons. We must ensure that the world knows of their sacrifices, their values, and the enduring impact of their work. In doing so, we preserve their memory and offer guidance to others searching for answers in their own challenging times.”

Observations

The participants, special guests, keynote speakers and panelists observed as follows:
That Mama HID Awolowo’s example must be continually highlighted as a compass for national development.

That Mama HID Awolowo supported Papa Awolowo to build strong institutions that have outlived them.

That the challenges Nigeria faces from economic stability to social inequality cannot be addressed without the vision of women.

That in building a more viable Nigeria, women need to be mentally and materially empowered to effectively play their expected roles.

That supporting women is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.
That education remains the most powerful tool to empower women and girls.

That women are not just caregivers but also powerful inspirations for societal progress, playing critical roles in fostering development.

That Mama HID Awolowo was a remarkable woman whose life serves as a beacon of inspiration for addressing systemic barriers and challenges faced by women in Nigeria and beyond.

That no country can achieve its full potential unless women are fully included in its growth and governance processes.

That women who are trailblazers compel us to confront the limitations placed on women.
That women historically spearheaded the fight for justice, equality, reproductive rights and the fight against domestic violence.

That women’s rights are human rights and must never be negotiated.

That insecurity is a gendered experience and should be so tackled.

That women face the greatest risks in Sub-Saharan Africa, including maternal mortality, girl-child marriage, female representation in Parliament.

That there are more girls than boys out of school in Nigeria.

That insecurity has robbed rural women of their livelihoods in several places, such that women often can’t go to farm without fear of rape and murder.

That The existence of baby factories constitutes violence against women and humanity.
That across the globe, women remain at the forefront of efforts to tackle socioeconomic challenges.

Challenges

The following challenges were identified:
Finance continues to be a big constraint for women.
Women-led SMEs are financially underserved.
Women face gender-based violence.
Women face economic exclusion.

Society does not allow for healthy debates on the value of political spouses.
There is the persistence of significant challenges, including systemic barriers and limitations that continue to hinder women’s progress.

Women face sociocultural barriers that militate against their mental and material growth.

Recommendations

We must reverse policies that impede equality in society.

Nigeria should explore practical ways to mobilize women in building a virile nation.
It is important to build the capacity of women and girls, as this is crucial for societal progress.
The nation we must build is one where no girl is denied a chance to learn, where no woman is denied the chance to lead.

There must be collaborative efforts to empower women and address national issues effectively.

There must be partnerships for systemic and sustainable change.

The scourge of gender-based violence must be expunged once and for all.
Men must stand with women as allies, just as Mama HID did with Chief Awolowo
Women’s rights and potentials must be amplified for national development.

There should be a recommitment of all stakeholders to gender equity in Nigeria.

For effective security of all including women and children, Nigeria should deploy more technology in its security architecture.

Partnerships with political spouses should be scaled up, particularly for philanthropic endeavours.

More research, data and information on the roles and impact of political spouses be made available.

Political spouses should set examples in empathy, compassion and modesty.
Political spouses should be above board for them to be seen as true agents of change and development.

First ladies must prioritize lasting legacy projects that can create sustainable impacts.
We must dignify and celebrate the achievements of women while also advocating for increased leadership roles and representation for women.

There should be more intellectual engagements on how to use HID Awolowo’s legacies to address some societal development issues in Nigeria.

We must expand self-employment opportunities for women.

Traditional rulers must be enlisted in the fight against sociocultural barriers against women.

The digital literacy gap must be bridged to accommodate more women.

Women in leadership positions must be supported to contribute to national development

We must champion policies that protect the right and dignity of women.

Today, technology has given women an opportunity to amplify their voices.

There is the need to create more firms and expansion of private sector wage employment for women.

Baby factories should be eradicated by the government.

We must provide women with the tools, policies and opportunities to excel.
Women must support women in achieving their full potential, especially in politics and business.

We should do more for women to thrive, not just in policies but also in business.
Economic challenges cannot be effectively addressed without the active role and contributions of women.

Appreciation

The Board of Trustees and the Convener of the HID Awolowo Foundation expressed their immense gratitude to all attendees, especially His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON; the Guest Speaker, Special Guests and Panelists, statesmen and women around the world for their invaluable contributions at the Webinar.