Gender scholars at the University of Ibadan and girl-child advocates have advocated continuous sacrifice and dialogue in achieving equity for girls and women in society.
The scholars and advocates made this call on Thursday in Ibadan during the two-day Girls’ Summit 2023 tagged ‘Girls embracing equity’ organised by the Women’s Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC) and the Gender Studies Programme both domiciled at the Institute of African Studies University of Ibadan in partnership with OYA Media and the Centre for Applied Ethics and Political Communication in Africa (CAEPOCOM Africa).
Senior Research Fellow and Coordinator of WORDOC, Dr Sharon Omotoso, explained to the invited girls − from secondary schools and tertiary institutions – what equity entails and how it can be achieved.
She stressed the benefits of embracing equity, adding that equity cannot be achieved without the mutual commitment and involvement of men.
Omotoso stated that one of the ways to achieve equity for girls and women is by encouraging them to tell their stories and push their narratives.
“If you do not tell your story,” she charged the girls, “others will tell it for you, and they may not tell it well.”
The Director of the Institute of African Studies of the university, Dr Seun Olutayo, represented by Mrs Folasayo Adesuyi, stated that children are in a world of their own and need mentorship and guidance to grow into good adults. She beckoned on the government to provide enabling environments for equity to thrive.
She added that what children do while growing up translates into what they will become as adults. In light of this, she advised the girls to do and venture into things that will positively shape their future.
“The girl-child no longer stays in the kitchen,” she said. “They cook, and they are also CEOs; they cook, and they are also business owners and leaders.”
Adesuyi urged the girls to read for knowledge that would help to broaden their vista and horizon.
The Chairperson of the summit and Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Mortgage Board, Barrister Oludayo Olorunfemi, was represented by Barrister Olusayo Adeleye.
Adeleye noted that when her contemporaries were growing up, there were no opportunities like the WORDOC Girls’ Summit. She enjoined the girls to maximise the opportunity to become vocal, find their voices, and use them to thrive wherever they find themselves.
She stated that adulthood is not hard when children are properly trained with the right knowledge and skills to face life, which in turn will help them to demand equity and fairness in society.
On the challenges the girl-child faces with her parents, Adeleye said although she does not support abuse, it is also important for girls to listen to their parent’s advice.
“Do not despise your parents’ instructions, discipline, and reprimand because they want the best for you,” she said.
Also present, from the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, was Dr Adetoun Oyelude, who addressed the issues of equity from the family, cultural and educational perspectives.
She said reading, especially extensive reading, is capable of exposing one to things that can broaden their knowledge of their environment and help them to make sound judgments.
The librarian told the girls to always consider their age and maturity before making vital decisions and also to do things with a sense of responsibility and politeness.
“I understand there are some issues you may have with your parents, but they want the best for you and do not want you to experience bad things,” Oyelude said. “So, you have to be wise in the head and in your behaviour; and also read your environment and respond with caution.”
Associate Professor of African Musicology at the Institute of African Studies of the university, Dr Kayode Samuel, noted that the concept of equity is like the fingers, which are not equal but individually unique.
“While we continue to manage the imperfections in the world, equity will help us manage the inequities in society,” he said.
Samuel emphasised that equity requires the recognition of the uniqueness of everyone to understand and achieve it properly. He added that social justice, open communication, and negotiations are also required to achieve equity for girls and women.
Sessions for the first day of the summit included: ‘They Don’t Understand Me’, ‘Leadership and Politics’ by Mariam Adeola, Moyo Akinyemi, and Nafisat Ogunsesan; ‘Media and Information Literacy’ by Ewaoluwanimi Omotoso; ‘Group Meeting with Mentors’ by Ndidi Zedomi and Alaba Ehindero; and ‘Personality Test’ by all volunteers of the summit.
The sessions for the second day included: ‘Counseling’, ‘Tech Talk’, ‘Human Rights and Trafficking’ by Wuraola Ayodele-George; ‘Gallery Walk (Herstories)’ by Dr Mutiat Oladejo; and ‘Health and Sexuality’ by Bola Lana.
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