ABEOKUTA – Increasing involvement of girls and women in all spheres of life would not only build a better future for the society, it would also help remove stigmatisation and low self esteem among the womenfolk.
This came to fore at a sensitization and empowerment programme organized by Rural Women Studies Association, Africa Chapter, held at St. Peters College (Private) Olomore, Abeokuta as part of the Association’s activities to mark the International Day of the Girl Child themed “Our time is now, our rights our future”.
Speaking on the topic, “Breaking boundaries and barriers caused as a result of stereotype and exclusion” the lead resource person, Miss Ifeoluwa Zubair and other stakeholders pointed out that girls across the globe must take advantage of their positions to know their rights, and be empowered to take their pride of place in life.
The stakeholders at the event highlighted some of the things that hinders girl-child from achieving set goals in life to include, low self esteem among counterparts, health related issues, stigmatisation and lack of confidence, urging them to have positive mindsets and determination to utilize their potentials as the future leaders.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairman of Rural Women Studies Association (RWSA) Africa Chapter, Professor Olubunmi Asimolowo pointed out that the Association was established in 1998 for the advancement and promotion of farm and rural women’s gender studies in historical perspective and to encourage research, promote existing and forthcoming scholarship, in order to establish and maintain links with contemporary farm and rural women’s organizations.
Represented by the Co- Chairman for Africa, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, she said the Association’s drive to empower women and girls in celebration of the international day of the girl child was borne out if the desire to expose them to opportunities available for them and encourage them to take leading roles which would make their voices heard on the global space.
In his remarks, the Principal of St. Peters College, Chief Solomon Umoke thanked the Association for reaching out to the school, noting that the enlightenment programme would go a long way in shaping the future of the young ones, urging the students to see the lecture as an opportunity to learn.
Highlights of the programme was an enlightenment on menstrual hygiene and presentation of sanitary towels to students.
