2nd November, 2012
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Thursday made a call for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to evolve a code of ethics and sanctions targeted at eradicating sexual harassment and abuse of women at work places.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 3-Day 12th National Women’s Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island which had Ogbeni Aregbesola as the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Fashola said the time has come for the Law Reform Commission, the Head of Service, Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, Ministry of Women Affairs, Legislators and judicial officers to collaborate on the issue.
Governor Fashola said sexual harassment and the abuse of women are modern forms of slavery and abuse of women that must be stopped, adding that it exists in the public and private sectors of the society.
“I believe that women have sacrificed too much in order to give us a chance to exist. The least we owe them is an obligation to honour their sacrifice by treating them with decency,” he said.
The Governor said he decided to raise the issue with a view to refocus the participants’ attention and provoke them to take on a new challenge to mitigate the risks that women face as they take on leadership responsibility or pursue their careers in the service of their community.
“Why for example should a woman be expected to succumb to unwanted male advances in order to progress in her career in spite of her competence? Why are ladies employed because of their looks especially in our financial institutions for the purpose of marketing deposits rather than providing real financial solution which they undoubtedly have the capacity to provide,”? he asked.
He also expressed the hope that COWLSO would rise up to the challenge so that the nation can find a solution that protects women, and in some cases men, while ensuring that there are no fabricated and unjust allegations.
Speaking on the theme of the Conference, “Women as Leaders” and the communiqué therefrom, the Governor noted that as women prepare to assume more leadership they owe the men folk and children a duty to find the balance, adding that in the two days that women were absent from home their absence was felt.
He, however, stressed that considering how resourceful women can be, he harbours no fear about their ability to find a balance and ensure that they do not create a vacuum as they offer themselves for more and higher services.
Aregbesola who spoke on the role of women in the society said nature has carved a unique role for them, considering their physiology, temperament, attitude, disposition and emotions, adding that all religions give women a somewhat reserved role which is not necessarily to punish or put them down, but for them to be able to carry out effectively the role nature has assigned to them.
The Osun State Governor said it should be of concern to everyone that families are increasingly becoming dysfunctional; while young people are increasingly lacking in virtue, resulting in high crime rate and upsurge in anti-social behaviour.
“Let us not deceive ourselves, this is the result of the failing role of women in our society,” he said.
“It now behoves on our women, especially mothers, to wake up to their responsibility. I know modernity has defined the role of women differently in a way that tends to separate them from their natural estate.
“Now, don’t get me wrong. I am for women empowerment. As I said earlier, women have great potentials that should form a sizeable proportion of national wealth which can only be unleashed through their empowerment. However, my concern is the consequence on our society the continued neglect of the role of women as the guarantors of societal ethos and nurturers of future generations”.
The Osun State Governor said a careful look at what can pass for the report card of COWLSO in the last few years reveals the meaningful impact the activities of the organisation have had on the development of community areas and recreational centres in Lagos State.
“The construction of the multi-million naira Lafiaji Community Centre; rehabilitation of the Kudirat Abiola Freedom Square; construction of Sam Shonibare Family Recreational Centre; Oshodi Sports Centre; Beko Ransome-Kuti Playground, amongst many other useful projects, are some of the evidence of the relevance of the organisation to the efforts being made by Lagos State Government to better the lot of citizens,” he said.
Also speaking, First Lady and Chairperson of Council of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola said the conference had been another two days of brainstorming, networking, socialising and making new friends.
She added that in furtherance of the commitment to impact and also be relevant within the community ‘COWLSO Touching Lives’ initiative has identified three humanitarian welfare organisations including Heritage Homes who cater for orphans and would receive a cheque covering expense on books, tuition and registration for 20 children and purchase of hearing aid for one child.
The others are Down Syndrome Foundation which received a cheque for the treatment of two children in an hospital overseas for open heart surgery while Motherless and Abandoned Babies Home of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch will receive some items such as air conditioners, double decker beds, flat screen television, school bags for children, tables and chairs.
The First Lady also called for vigilance and conscious efforts on the part of women to ensure their safety and that of their family members.
She implored everyone to adhere to all the security tips they were given at the conference.
In the communiqué of the conference which was read by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji –Bello, it was agreed that women should see themselves as change agents and should begin to reorientate youths in the society.
The communiqué also states that women should support themselves in all fields and avoid the ‘pull her down’ syndrome just as it also said entrepreneurship studies should be introduced into the curricular of all schools.
Also according to the Communique, the issue of fund raising for female political office seekers should be taken seriously while women should recognise their talents and take charge, bearing in mind that they should express themselves while seeking political office as power is not served a la carte.
It was also agreed by participants at the conference that women must not abandon their home but be security conscious at all times and ensure that the girl child is given special attention. There is also a need to enlighten spouses to allow their wives participate in politics.
The Communique called for an increase in the number of women in government and stressed the need for women to be appropriately dressed for different occasions.
A former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service, Mrs Magaret Ajaja and an entrepreneur Princess Tenidade Aofiyebi were presented with Certificate of Appreciation as friends of COWLSO on behalf of the Committee by the Special Guest of Honour by Governor Aregbesola at the ceremony.
Prominent among those who witnessed the closing ceremony were the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Osun State First Lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, former First Lady, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries and delegates from all over the federation.