Osun State Government Participates in UNFPA Gender and Social Norms Summit at Aso Villa
The Osun State Government, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Women, Children, and Social Affairs, Hon. Ayobola Fadeyi Awolowo, actively participated in the UNFPA Voices for Change: Gender and Social Norms Summit 2024, held on August 27, 2024, at the Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja.
Also in attendance from Osun State was the Director of the Gender Department, Mrs. Lola Adewale, who joined the Commissioner in representing the state’s commitment to advancing gender equality and reshaping social norms.
The summit, hosted by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, convened key stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and reshaping social norms in Nigeria.
Commissioners from all 36 states gathered to engage in critical discussions on gender equality and the transformation of social norms through the Renewed PHI Hope Initiative. The program aimed to develop actionable strategies to support the well-being of families across Nigeria.
Hon. Fadeyi Awolowo’s participation, along with Mrs. Lola Adewale, underscored Osun State’s commitment to addressing gender-related challenges and advancing the rights of women and children.
During the summit, the Honourable Commissioner expressed her displeasure over the lack of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in the state and solicited support from donor partners to establish such a center in Osun State. This center aims to serve as a safe haven for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), providing them with essential services required for recovery and empowerment.
The Commissioner, who has been at the forefront of various state initiatives, highlighted the importance of collective action in driving societal change during her contributions at the summit.
Osun State Government’s involvement in the summit reflects its alignment with national and global efforts to promote gender equality. Hon. Ayobola Fadeyi Awolowo reaffirmed the state’s readiness to implement the summit’s outcomes, ensuring that these voices for change translate into tangible actions benefiting all citizens.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging all states to collaborate and drive the change needed to achieve a more equitable society.
