As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (Mni), Women wings of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders, have made a passionate call for urgent and collective action to accelerate gender equality.
The event held on Thursday, April 3 at the Western Hall of the Oyo state Parliamentary Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Themed “Accelerate Action Towards Gender Equality”, this year’s celebration in Oyo State saw various union leaders, civil society organizations, and government representatives come together to discuss challenges facing women and strategies to promote gender equity.
The pre-event activities featured a visit to the Agodi Correctional Centre, rallies to parts of Ibadan markets, and a workshop, all aimed at raising awareness about gender-based discrimination and pushing for policies that ensure equal opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oni represented by Mrs. Olushola Jimoh, lauded governor Seyi Makinde for his exemplary leadership in inclusive governance particularly by being women friendly, and emphasized that gender equality should not be a mere aspiration but a tangible reality achieved through empowerment, inspiration, and collective action.
Delivering her keynote address, Oni stated that women throughout history have shattered barriers and redefined societal roles adding that despite the significant progress, gender inequality still persists, particularly in leadership, economic opportunities, education, and personal freedoms.
Relying on available statistics, Mrs. Oni said according to global studies, at the current rate of progress, gender equality may not be fully realized until 2158 which underpins the urgent need to secure equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls.
The state HoS urged individuals, organizations, and communities to take decisive steps to address gender inequality both personally and professionally. She also identified three key pillars for achieving gender equality to include empowerment, inspiration, and collective action.
Mrs. Oni further called on individuals and institutions to challenge outdated norms, support women in leadership, and inspire the next generation. She acknowledged the leadership of the women’s wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State for organizing programs that empower and encourage women to take on leadership roles.
“The time for change is not tomorrow; it is now. Together, we can accelerate equality, empower women and adolescent girls, and inspire a future where every girl and woman can dream without limits,” she said.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun represented by Mrs. Goke Adenrele, stressed that the voice of women matters and can not be silenced on account of being women. She urged women to continue to believe in their potentials and ability to actualize them.
“Be proud of yourselves. There’s beauty in every woman and with togetherness of purpose, we can dismantle the bias and barriers of gender equality,” The Commissioner said.
The Guest Speaker and former state women coordinator, Oyo NUT, Mrs. Hannat Olawoyin, highlighted ongoing initiatives, including skills acquisition programs, support for women entrepreneurs, and legal measures to curb gender-based violence.
Earlier, the Chairman, Oyo state chapter of NLC, Comrade Kayode Martins charged women to support one another to advance leadership roles in both public and private life while calling for an immediate end to all forms of discrimination against women in the society.
While commending Governor Makinde for showing leadership by example by appointing women into various key positions in his government, Comrade Martins stressed that gender discrimination against women should not be allowed anywhere in the society including the workplace.
Toeing the same line, a former NLC Chairman and member of Oyo state House of Assembly, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, charged women to unite and rally round one another especially in their aspirations for leadership roles into public offices and at the workplace.
In her address earlier delivered, Chairperson of the NLC Women’s Committee in Oyo State, Comrade Kikelomo AIYEDUN, who appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his inclusive governance and appointment of women into key offices, emphasized the importance of dismantling barriers that hinder women’s progress in workplaces, politics, and leadership roles.
While calling on others within the public and organized private sectors to emulate inclusivity and gender equality devoid of discrimination, Comrade Aiyedun stressed that despite global and national advancements, many women still face gender discriminations, workplace harassment, and limited access to decision-making roles.
She stated that this year’s theme resonates deeply more than mere rhetorical expression and urged women to move beyond ordinary aspiration unto tangible and impactful actions.
Comrade Aiyedun noted that gender inequality has for too long been a pervasive obstacle hindering progress not just for women but for the society as a whole. Corroborating her assertion, she noted that statistics are available to affirm what she termed ‘undeniable disparities,” She said.
Speaking further, Comrade Aiyedun said, “In today’s world, we cannot afford to leave half of our population behind. Women must be empowered economically, socially, and politically. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue that impacts development.”
Similarly, the Oyo TUC Women’s Commission Chairperson, Comrade Sotuminu Funmilayo, called on both the public and private sectors to implement gender-friendly policies, including paid maternity leave, workplace protections, and leadership quotas for women. She urged more men to become allies in the struggle for gender equality, noting that a fair society benefits everyone.