Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The first lady of Edo State, Betsy Obaseki, has urged women to get the required knowledge that will make them valuable, compete and compliment the men in the country.
Obaseki, who spoke at the International Women’s Day event organised by the John Odigie Oyegun Pubic Service Academy (JOOPSA), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Benin City at the weekend, said the theme of the event, “Inspire Inclusion, Empowering Women in Public Service Through Inclusive Leadership”, should inspire women to reach for the top in their chosen career and become part of the decision making process in the country.
She also called on women to get involve in politics to ensure that the never-do-wells are kicked out of the political space, noting that the narratives must change for good if the country has to realise it full potential.
She said, “Inclusion means gender equality must be upheld and no woman must be left out. Every woman is valuable because they all have something to bring to the table even as house wife.
“Women help to groom and develop the society as you take care of the family, We have seen women doing fantastic things in various fields. We need the female gender as much as the male gender, the two gender should work together.
The genders have their peculiar traits and non can take the place of the other. So women must know their value and place in the society. Don’t allow anyone put you down. Give your best by building capacity so that you can be qualified to fill certain positions in the society. We need to acquire knowledge so that you can add value to whatever job you do.
“They should get involved in politics which has been taken over by never do wells. That is the story of Nigeria and it must change,” she added.
Director General of JOOPSA, Imuwahen Ajoonu called for the creation of environments that uplift and empower all women, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, or abilities.
She noted, “By fostering inclusivity, we not only enrich our organizations and communities but also ensure that the voices of all women are heard and valued.
“We must also acknowledge the persistent challenges faced by many women in their pursuit of leadership roles. As we explore the theme of inclusive leadership, let us commit to creating environments that uplift and empower all women, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, or abilities.
“Our collective efforts can inspire a new era of leadership, one that is characterized by collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to fairness. So, let International Women’s Day be a catalyst for change – a day that propels us forward on the path to true equality, where women in public service can lead without limitations, and where their accomplishments are celebrated as a testament to the power of inclusion,” she added.
