Gender equality is fundamental to achieving a peaceful, just, and sustainable society, Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said in a keynote address read on her behalf at the 2024 Gender Conference at the University of Lagos.
"Gender equality is essential for achieving a peaceful and equitable society," the first lady said.
She highlighted the global importance of empowering women and girls, noting the importance of justice, equity, and empowerment in advancing society.
"Women and girls represent half of the world's population and potential. Empowering them is critical for productivity and economic growth," she added.
Citing her personal experience, the senator also noted that women's underrepresentation in politics and decision-making creates significant challenges.
"I worked for 12 years in politics without having the numbers to influence policies directly affecting us. For instance, I couldn’t effectively oppose laws like child marriage, which severely impact young girls," Senator Tinubu said.
According to the Nigerian first lady, women must actively pursue opportunities rather than wait for them: "Be bold, stay informed, and create your own opportunities. Hard work and faith go hand in hand," she concluded.