Daud Olatunji
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, APIN, a Public Health Initiatives, has called for the inclusion of women in the scheme of things in Ogun State and Nigeria.
The event, which had different personalities in attendance in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Friday, aimed to commemorate World Women’s Day.
Addressing journalists during the programme, Favour Ojo Omoniyi, the Gender-Based Focal Person for APIN Ogun, highlighted the challenges women face in Nigerian politics during an interview in Abeokuta.
Omoniyi spoke on the importance of the theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” urging the Ogun state government and the Nigerian government to actively involve women in decision-making processes.
Omoniyi acknowledged the existing barriers, citing family and societal discouragement but urged women to be proactive, break stereotypes, and strive for political positions.
The Gender-Based Focal person for APIN addressed the gender disparities in elections, attributing the difficulty not to women’s capabilities but to a systemic lack of encouragement.
She called for a shift in societal attitudes, urging families and colleagues to support women seeking public office.
Emphasizing that men and women are equal, she encouraged collaboration rather than competition, highlighting the unique contributions each gender can make.
Omoniyi also stressed the importance of men addressing gender-based violence, urging them not to suffer in silence.
Michael Ohue, the State Coordinator of APIN, reinforced the organisation’s commitment to women’s inclusion. He emphasised that APIN ensures women are involved at all levels, including decision-making processes and management.
He said with over 35% of the staff being female, APIN aims to inspire and support women to achieve their best in various domains.
Temilade Adeniji, a prevention and community service lead at APIN in Ogun state, highlighted the progress of women in State politics.
She encouraged the continued support for women in leadership positions while emphasising the need to uplift those who may feel too weak to showcase themselves.
Adeniji also addressed the issue of stigmatization, particularly in employment, calling for a change in perception towards HIV-positive individuals and appreciating efforts by the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Health.
Adeniji shed light on the discrimination faced by HIV-positive women in the workplace, emphasising their capabilities and urging a shift in societal views.
She praised the advocacy efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in destigmatizing HIV-positive individuals.
She added that APIN, in collaboration with OGSACA, continues to advocate for fair treatment of HIV-positive individuals, with hopes that other states replicate these efforts.
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