Love & Gender Equality: Badagry Women Development Forum Marks International Women’s Day, Celebrates Womanhood

Comprehend a gender-equal world, a world that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive; a world where difference is valued and celebrated.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually to observe the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. It is also a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women

Commemorating the International Women’s day in full blown fashion, class, pop and elegance, Badagry women development forum (Badagry central, west and Olorunda) took its territory by astonishment, hosting women across the local government on the 10th of March 2022

Tagged ‘Creating a Gender Free world Around Us’ with the theme ‘Break the Bias’, the glamorous event took place at the Badagry town hall, playing host to eminent personalities within the province, encompassing celebrities, political pinnacle women leaders, stakeholders and group administrators

Featuring a free medical orientation programme (executed by Fohow International in partnership with the women’s forum) providing women with basic tests in blood pressure, sugar level plus an awareness talk on kidney problem, stroke, infertility, chronic infection, pile and other related health issues, guests in attendance were admonished on good health tips to promote longevity

Celebrity actress and social activist, Foluke Daramola Salako, at the climax of the ceremony urged women across Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria to stand in the gap for each other, advocating love and passion amongst women

Mrs. Foluke continued, “One thing I’ve noticed is the lack of respect for ourselves as women, before we can solicit value from others, we have to love and respect ourselves without any form of jealousy or envy”

“We must be willing to support ourselves at all cost if truly we want to break the bias in our society today, if we stand together with poise to make a difference in every sector we find ourselves then our voice must heard in unity and harmony”

“There are some countries where women don’t get equal rights. In these countries, the role of women is limited to household chores. However, this needs to change because women deserve equal opportunities at everything like men”

“The world is moving towards achieving gender balance. It’s moving towards equality for both men and women. The change is something that is needed and is essential. For ages, men have had more privileges in every sphere of society. However, that needs to change because we are all humans, and we should all get equal rights and opportunities” Mrs. Foluke affirmed

The Pioneer of Real Act of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation and the leading aspirant for the position of House of Representatives in Badagry, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, also in attendance thanked the Badagry women development forum for organising a laudable event of this gauge to celebrate women across board.

Ogunlende, introduced as patron to the women’s forum said it is important to to ensure women shares the same privilege as men in securing a better society

“If women are empowered more, our communities will be better face lifted, just as the women are the backbone of the home, they are also the pillar of our society and so must be given equal opportunities” Ogunlende asserted

With factions such as Arewa women community, Lagos State community women forum, Sweet mother Group, Badagry west women forum, Deborah International outreach, Talk 2 Ronnie counseling forum, Women wing of Christian association Badagry, Better life women forum, Hon Sanmi Ajose group, Sedako group, NUT Badagry branch, APC apex women leader group etc, the town hall was packed to it’s brim in a celebratory mode

Mrs. Sewede Pot-Balogun Olorunfemi (Principal coordinator, Badagry women development forum) in her remarks thanked women across Badagry community for showing up en mass to celebrate International Women’s Day, urging them to always promote the women’s agenda with passion

Mrs. Pot-Balogun continued, “It’s a day where women are recognised and appreciated for all their hard work and dedication. International Women’s day is a day when women get an appreciation for all their hard work and effort to maintain their lives and the lives of others around them”

“It’s a day to show the women in our lives how much we care for them and love them. It’s a day which is celebrated around the globe with a lot of love and happiness. It’s an occasion where we show the women in our life how much their existence means to us”

“Schools and colleges are getting more and more open to celebrating days like International Women’s Day. It’s a sign of progress, and they are teaching the students to respect and honour mothers. If schools and colleges don’t celebrate this Day, students won’t learn the importance of women’s Day”

“The empowerment of women is a great responsibility that all women need. The world becomes a better place when women don’t feel the hardships that exist. For many years, women have faced several difficulties”

“Earlier, the role of women was limited to household chores. Everyone, including some women, was brought up to believe that the role of women is limited to the home tasks. Due to this belief, women didn’t go out to work or thought about going for work”

“However, this thought changed after a few decades because women started trying different things. Women began realising that they, too, can have careers and a future. More and more women began taking up jobs and worked in many sectors of the economy”

“The scenery of the world for women has changed over time and decades. It has mainly happened due to the efforts of all the women in the past. Now, there is no space where women aren’t working and excelling at what they are doing. Women manage a number of things at the same time”

“Women are being given equal opportunities at work. They are given the freedom to move ahead of the opposite gender. Women are running ahead of men and leading their respective companies in the direction of success. The construction that they have towards society has immensely increased”

“Earlier, they used to limit their contribution by doing household chores. However, now women are not only contributing to the organisation’s success, but they’re working through it”

“The saying that women run the world is coming true as every year passes. Women everywhere around the world are changing the world by contributing immensely. They are working hard and breaking all the glass ceilings around the world”

“A woman is no longer dependent on a man for her financial needs. She is independent and strong enough to take care of herself. It is a change that gave women around the world the freedom which makes them financially independent. They are self-confident and aren’t afraid to push all the boundaries required to finish their jobs” Mrs Pot-Balogun averred

Others in attendance include; Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ogunyemi (Mother of the Day), Mr. Miwawiwe Folorunsho Hunga (Father of the Day), Aunty Keji Yusuf (Nollywood Actress & Politician), Mrs. A.A Ajose (Mother Of the Day), Mrs Mary Lawal (Coordinator BWDF), Ambassador Bose Joseph (Lagos Made Women Organisation), Chief Abosede Dabiri, Mrs. Yinka Atoyebi and Mrs. Mawuyon Ogun as Master of the ceremony