Bolanle Awe, Olawoye, Soetan, others advocate gender studies in Nigerian universities

Some dons have harped on the need for institutionalisation of gender studies in Nigerian universities, pointing out that gender studies focuses not only on women, but also men.

The dons who converged on Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday, to celebrate, retired professor of History, Professor Bolanle Awe, said the entrenchment of gender studies will enable both genders to see the need for more women to occupy managerial positions.

Delivering her keynote address on the theme, “Gender Studies in Africa: Imagined and Emerging Trends”, Professor Janice Olawoye argued that both male and female gender should appreciate their differences as complementary and shun discrimination.”

She noted that Africa still had a long way to go in achieving gender equality, but enjoined such advocates not to be confrontational.

“Gender studies is about men and women. However, women must put themselves forward for managerial positions. Women don’t have to be the same as men. The differences between the two genders are complementary but that doesn’t make any of the genders inferior or superior to the other. The differences are real but there shouldn’t be gender discrimination. Sustainable social change does not come from being confrontational,” Olawoye said.

Apart from the celebrant, Professor Bolanle Awe, others present at the event were Professor Olabisi Aina, Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Remi Bamisaiye, Professor Funmi Soetan, Olanike Adeyemo who is University of Ibadan Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Dele Olayiwola and Dr I. O. Pogoson.

Professor Aina, who chaired the event, praised Awe for creating a space for women in governance, making women and feminist studies available in the academic field.

She also canvassed for gender studies in tertiary institutions across Africa, adding that feminists must make their cause relevant to African social formation.

In her remarks, Professor Soetan of Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, lauded Bolanle Awe as a moving force in the institutionalisation of gender studies in Nigerian universities.

Speaking, Dr Sharon Omotoso saluted Awe’s commitment to women development, advocacy and gender equality.

Other speakers appreciated Awe for providing adequate visibility for women and ensuring that government is committed to women issues.