
Stakeholders and members of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) wing of the Women in Management (WIM) have stressed their readiness to support the actualization
of the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration in the operations of the Board .
Speaking at the celebration of the
2024 International Women’s Day of the SUBEB wing held in Ado-Ekiti, speakers at the event said
the theme of this year’s celebration: “Invest in Women: Accelerate progress” was apt in view of the important roles that women play in the public service.
The event which was an avenue for WIM to address the ever present issue of gender inequality in the society was well received by the entire board and management staff whom all agreed that it was imperative to get women enlightened, empowered and ensure their proper inclusion to better the lot of women for leadership positions.
In his address at the event,the SUBEB Executive Chairman, Prof. Femi Akinwumi who congratulated women on this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration identified the peculiarities of women which have distinguished them for excellence in the society.
According to the SUBEB Boss the peculiarities include the fact that women are uniquely strong, humane and have the innate desire to nurture and enliven their environment.
He called for government agencies and all other stakeholders to support women in the public service in their pursuit of equality and equity in all facets of life.
The SUBEB Boss however stressed the need for women to further develop themselves and thereby add value to the society. “No woman, No nation”, he said.
The Chairman while calling for diligence among the women to achieve their ultimate goals also advised that they emulate their predecessors in the public service as well as the good ambassadors of the gender who had made their marks through dedication to their duties and hard work.
Also speaking at the event, the SUBEB Commissioner, Human Resource Management, Dr. Olufunke Fajobi urged women to develop themselves, not withstanding their current situation. She stated that women should have integrity and not involve themselves in activities that can soil their names.
The SUBEB Commissioner, Project Management, Barr. Kayode Adeoye who spoke on Women’s Rights advised that women should endeavor to aspire for leadership positions and take advantage of the 35% women inclusion equality in the area of representation at all levels.
Barr. Adeoye also said that they should acquaint themselves with the laws that protect their gender but also seek constitutional ways to ensure that the exceptions in those laws that negate their rights are amended.
Presenting a paper on “Indiscipline Among Female Officers in Ekiti State Public Service”, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs Sola-Gbenga Igotun stressed the need for women to ensure that they carry out their duties and shun indiscipline. She highlighted on misconduct, gross misconduct as leading act of indiscipline among civil servants.
Mrs. Igotun stated that it is essential for women to leverage their behavior with the rules and regulations of the civil service.
She noted that to remain relevant at their various offices, they should be willing to make sacrifices that would ensure optimal service delivery.
“Do not allow yourselves to be relegated to the background because of your gender,you should rather encourage yourselves to be the best version of the woman that would be seen as a role model”.
“No woman should complain not to be relevant if she doesn’t make herself available when duty calls. Stop using your gender as an excuse to avoid your responsibilities at your duty posts”,she said.
The guest speaker also used the opportunity to advise women to improve themselves regardless of their busy schedule and acquaint themselves with the public and civil service rules.
Speaking on the Emergence of WIM in Ekiti State Public Service, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services who is also the coordinator of WIM in Ekiti State, Dr. Oyeyemi Ojo said that EKWIM was inaugurated on 11th March, 2021 to give legal, emotional, spiritual, financial and medical supports to women and also give aid to men, children and those in need within and outside the public service.
Dr. Ojo noted that members of EKWIM cuts across the various professions within and outside the civil service as it enables them intervene in matters across board.
She urged women to ensure they are not found wanting in their official engagements, learn to multitask and not allow their various professional activities to affect their domestic responsibilities.
Dr, Ojo lauded the leadership of SUBEB for the support they have given to women in the agency and also the opportunities granted to women to further develop their careers.