“The meeting focused on supporting women’s participation in governance, a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles”
By John Odunayo
Traditional Rulers in the Southwest have advocated concrete steps to support women’s participation in governance and promote gender equality in all spheres of life.
This and others were canvassed at a one-day Seminar on Women Empowerment sponsored by United Nations and Canadian Government which has in attendance traditional rulers in the Southwest at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, led Southwest traditional rulers to the event which had in attendance stakeholders in development and inclusive development to discuss ways to promote women’s involvement in decision-making processes.
The meeting focused on supporting women’s participation in governance, a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, who recognised the women’s significant contributions to the development of their communities and Nigeria, stressed the importance of women’s participation in governance.
Oba Adeagbo, who is the Southwest Coordinator of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, while pledging support for initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, encouraged other monarchs to toe the line.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, stressed the need for traditional institutions to play a more proactive role in promoting women’s participation in governance.
The Ooni called on monarchs to “work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where women have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making”.
In the communique at the end of the meeting, stakeholders urged governments, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to take concrete steps to support women’s participation in governance and promote gender equality in all spheres of life.
