Governor Sanwo-Olu Calls For Urgent Action On Gender Equality At 2025 International Women’s Day.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised the need for decisive action in achieving gender equality as he led the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration alongside his wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada.
Under the theme **‘Accelerate Action’**, the event underscored the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric to implement tangible measures that empower women. Participants from the 20 local government areas and 57 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) received climate stoves to promote stress-free cooking.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the global significance of IWD, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the **Beijing Declaration**, a landmark document advocating for women’s rights.
“This year’s theme, *‘Accelerate Action’*, serves as a clarion call to move beyond rhetoric and take bold, decisive steps toward achieving gender equality,” he stated.
### **Commitment to Women’s Empowerment**
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to bridging the gender gap through targeted policies and initiatives. He cited programmes such as **‘HE for SHE’**, which fosters inclusivity and ensures women are not just recognised but truly empowered.
“The state has invested heavily in skills acquisition centres and the Women Development Centre, providing free training to equip women for economic independence.
“Our policies are dedicated to protecting women from gender-based violence while also creating opportunities for them to assume leadership roles,” he added, highlighting the facilitation of credit and entrepreneurial support for female entrepreneurs.
The governor called for **collective action**, urging men to actively participate in the movement for gender equality.
“True progress requires collective action because gender equality is a societal imperative,” he emphasised.
He commended the First Lady, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her advocacy in maternal and child healthcare and expressed gratitude to his deputy and other officials for their unwavering support.
Sanwo-Olu also warned that at the current pace, achieving gender parity could take over five generations, demanding immediate intervention.
### **Commissioner Calls for Practical Solutions**
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, **Bolaji Cecilia Dada**, echoed the governor’s sentiments, stressing that slow progress is no longer acceptable.
“We must move beyond promises to practical solutions that will empower women and uplift the vulnerable,” she asserted.
She highlighted persistent challenges such as gender inequality, economic disparity, and gender-based violence, calling for **collaborative efforts** from all stakeholders.
Dada emphasised the importance of **education, mental health support, and combating violence against women**.
“An educated woman is an empowered woman,” she noted, adding that providing **safe spaces and counselling services** is essential for women’s well-being.
She also called for **stricter laws against gender-based violence**, urging law enforcement agencies and community leaders to work together in creating a violence-free society.
Additionally, Dada advocated for more women in leadership positions, stressing the need to **break down barriers** hindering their participation.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and thanked the First Lady, Deputy Governor, and other officials for their support.
“Let us not wait for another year to make change happen; let us start today,” Dada concluded, urging everyone to be intentional and proactive in accelerating progress for women.
