An outstanding Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Olabisi Aina on Friday charged African societies to embrace gender inclusiveness as a pathway to achieving rapid growth and sustainable development.
The academic icon who made the charge while delivering her valedictory lecture at the Oduduwa Hall of the University, argued that, considering gender perspectives in inventions and innovations would foster progress across various sectors of African society.
According to her, “Gender inequalities are pronounced in Africa’s economic sector. Women face barriers like limited access to credit, land, and markets, and are overrepresented in informal, low-paying jobs. Reducing these inequalities is crucial for development, as women’s economic empowerment leads to improvements in family health, education, and well-being.
“Gender issues are not about man-and-woman relationships. It’s about dismantling systems that seem to work against women. It’s about creating opportunities for both boys and girls.
“Governments must implement gender-responsive policies in key areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, ensuring these are comprehensive and relevant to local contexts.
“Africa has made progress in gender and development, persistent challenges remain. Ongoing efforts are needed to integrate gender into policies to achieve sustainable development. Ensuring women’s access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation is crucial for their role as agents of change.
“Investing in women and girls is investing in Africa’s future, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society for all.”
She clarified further that discussions on gender transcend domestic roles, adding that “It’s about recognising women’s ability to carry out their responsibilities effectively, whether at home, work, or in other areas of life.”
Professor Aina affirmed that,the inequalities is crucial for development as women’s economic empowerment leads to improvements in family health, education, and well-being and charged, governments to implement gender-responsive policies in key areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
In his goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof Simeon Bamire, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Bola Babalola, commended Prof. Aina for her invaluable contributions to the university community and beyond.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, and Development), Prof. Akanni; the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Odekunle; the Head of the Sociology and Anthropology Department, Prof. Adebusuyi; Bishop Felix Ajakaye of the Ekiti Diocese; and representatives Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and Redeemer’s University, Ede.
Meanwhile,the programmes which were 3-day events,began on Wednesday November 20, 2024 through Friday November 22. And, saw, Prof Kehinde Taiwo of OAU, Prof Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf, Kaduna State University, and Dr Paul Awoniyi of the Center for Gender Studies OAU delivered their messages on Wednesday, on Gender Issues and Sustainable Development in Nigeria which witnessed three presentations including *An Insight into Causes, Consequences and Prevention of SGBV,* *Work Life Balance,* and the *Role of the University’s Center for Gender Studies in Sustainable Development.*
Thursday November 21, 2024 was dedicated to the launch of a book titled: *Shifting Sands: Nigeria’s Evolving Gender Landscape* where the former first lady of Ekiti state, Erelu Fayemi was the Chairperson.
