Prof. Victoria Olugbemi, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Development of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has urged all stakeholders to always uphold the rights of women in the country.

She urged stakeholder to encouraged women to participate as men do in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

Olugbemi revealed this at the 2024 edition, International Women’s Day being celebrated on the campus of the institution.

She said the recurring maltreatment and denial of rights of some women call for the need to keep reinforcing the importance of celebrating the day, to eradicate this attitude towards them.

She said, “The International Women’s Day annual celebrated in March is for women to push forward their animation for gender equality and inclusion.

“There must be balance at our places of work, even at home. So we must encourage people to include women in the scheme of things, in the promotion of gender equality, equity and balance.”

Meanwhile, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said true national development could only be achieved when women are afforded equal opportunities to contribute their talents, skills, and expertise to the advancement of the country.

Ige stressed that the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Inspire Inclusion for National Development,’ resonated deeply with the world’s collective aspirations for a more equitable and progressive society.

He explained that the management of the institution stood firmly behind the university’s Centre for Gender Studies and Development, promising to provide unwavering support for its laudable initiatives and programmes.

“The significance of women’s contributions within the Adekunle Ajasin University community cannot be overstated. Throughout the rich history of our esteemed institution, women have remained steadfast at the forefront of progress and development. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have played an instrumental role in fostering peace, growth, and advancement, thereby elevating our university to the esteemed pedestal it occupies today,” the VC said.

Also, Mrs Yinka Tunji-Ojo, the guest speaker of the event, stated that the roundtable discussion was motivated to address the issue of women’s inclusion for national development.

Tunji-Ojo, who was presented with ‘The Epitome of Motherhood’ award at the event charged parents not to be against the gender of their children.

The speaker said, “Do have useful conversations with your children. Let them believe in themselves, and let them have a can-do attitude. If someone else can do it and achieve it, I should be able to do better.

“Train them as one, let them do it together, mix to be able to know how to associate with people outside and do things generally. Learn self-esteem while replying to a compliment. They should take compliments lightly not to be taken aback. To the girl-child, you can be anything that a boy is.”