The former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, has called for gender equality to achieve national progress.
She stated this during a book reading and film show at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, UNILAG, recently, where the Gender Conference was held this year.
The prelude event was facilitated by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founder of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, along with other partners.
According to Bisi Fayemi, “No nation can make any progress without strong and equal participation from both men and women.”
As students from UNILAG, Lagos State University, LASU, Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH, and other tertiary institutions in Lagos gathered to hear her reflections on gender equality, the activist shared her insights on women’s empowerment, patriarchy, and the importance of inclusive societies.
Through readings from some of her books, such as Loud Whispers, A Tray of Locust Beans, Demand and Supply, and Where Is Your Wrapper?, Bisi Fayemi emphasised the significance of women’s involvement in mainstream governance.
She encouraged girls, women, and young people to embrace gender inclusivity, stating that everyone is affected when anyone is marginalised.
Fayemi expressed her viewpoint that, as audiences change over time, the need to advocate for feminism will always be essential for development.
Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, welcomed the participating students on behalf of UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunsola.
She argued that no society can advance if it does not practice equality.
According to her, the issue of gender equality is crucial for all humanity. She informed students about the Gender Conference themed: Gender Equality At Crossroads Pathways To Accelerating Progress, held at J.F Ade Ajayi Auditorium.
She emphasised the necessity of approaching human issues from a gender perspective.
She recognised the former First Lady as a leading feminist whose work promotes and advances society by beginning with the advancement of women’s rights.
“The conference itself is about gender equality at critical crossroads and how we act and lead toward progress,” she stated.
“I firmly believe that men and women are balanced. Diversity is not about hierarchy; males are not superior to females, and females are not superior to males. We all need one another. The beauty of nature lies in diversity, and we must embrace it.
“We constantly encounter diversity, especially in what feminists have stated: society is unlikely to progress if it does not practice equality across all sectors. It is not just about equalising races or classes, which is what Marxists attempt to do. It also entails equalising sexes and genders. I believe today is an important moment for us to reflect on personal conflicts.”
She assured the students that their thoughts would be clarified.
Students actively participated in the book reading activity and interrogated Bisi Fayemi on her books.
Those who graced the event, include Professor Oyewo Oyelowo, SAN, Convener Gender Conference, Professor Iyabode Ogunniran, Chairperson Gender Conference 2024, Professor Oluwakemi Adekile, Professor Folashade Adegbite, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy, Dr. Oluwatoyin among others.
