Urges stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric to delivering measurable outcomes for women
Lagos State Government, yesterday, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women’s rights, ensuring justice, and promoting economic empowerment, tasking stakeholders to move from rhetoric to delivering measurable outcomes in women’s empowerment.

In his keynote address at the event, themed “Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls” organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos Island, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu asserted that in Lagos State, women’s rights have evolved from aspiration statements to constitutional obligations.

He stressed that justice must be survivor-centred and institutionalised through the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.

The governor said the theme challenged all to move beyond rhetoric, emphasising that women’s rights are constitutional obligations and that justice must be accessible and survivor-centred as gender protection remains embedded under the THEMES + agenda.

He said that the celebration centred on the campaign #GiveToGain, emphasising that investing in women is a strategic governance principle rather than a charitable act.

In her address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the event was to recognise the strength of women in the growth and development of the nation to build a more just and inclusive society, stating that they must be given opportunities to grow.

She echoed the need for systemic shifts, saying that women’s and children’s rights are crucial to ensure a legacy of justice for the next generation.

Sanwo-Olu, however, urged all public and private institutions to move from promises to performance.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, emphasised the need for collective action to protect women’s rights, ensure justice, and empower women and girls while highlighting the state’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls.

“Justice also means economic justice,” Dada said.

She noted that through skills acquisition centres and the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), the state is dismantling the financial barriers that keep women vulnerable.

“A woman without income is more vulnerable to abuse. By equipping women with digital and entrepreneurial skills, we transform beneficiaries into business owners,” Dada added.

The guest speaker at the event, Lateefat Oluyemi, urged women to be focused and make sacrifices for their children, especially the girl-child, to be educated and not allow any circumstances to stop them from achieving their aims, as the Lagos State government was committed to the protection of their rights.

She also harped on the need for children’s rights acts to be enshrined and for policies to reflect value, while calling for more protection and justice to be accessible for women against violence.

Also, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Lara Olumegbon, while reinforcing the legislative perspective, noted that as the youngest parliamentarian, she carries a responsibility for transformation, and not just representation.

“I see the woman in Isale-Eko and the trader in Badagry. Their resilience is not a weakness to be exploited; it is a strength that must be rewarded with tangible change,” she said.

However, the political grassroots were represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Rofiat Iyabosola Eletu.

She promised that the party would continue to push for more women in leadership roles.