In this exclusive interview with ENE OSHABA, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun state, Mrs. Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo, discusses the significant progress in gender-based violence interventions, land ownership for women, and the economic empowerment initiatives that are helping women take charge of their futures.
To begin, could you please tell us a little about yourself and your role in Ogun state?
As the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun state, my job involves creating policies and programmes that address the issues of women and children in the state, ensuring their welfare and empowering them economically and socially. We focus on projects that improve the lives of women, especially those in rural areas, and tackle issues such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and land rights.
You participated in the 2nd Annual Conference of Commissioners of Women Affairs as part of activities commemorate the international women’s month. How would you assess this annual event in Nigeria, particularly in Ogun state where you are a commissioner?
This women’s month is not just a period of celebration; it’s a time of reflection. It allows us to evaluate our progress and understand where we stand in our journey toward gender equality. Over the years, especially in the past year, there have been improvements, though not everything we envisioned has been achieved. Nonetheless, the key takeaway is that we’re moving forward. We may not be where we want to be, but we are certainly not stagnant. We continue to make progress and celebrate the small victories that will eventually lead us to larger achievements.
Could you share with us some of the key milestones you’ve achieved since becoming the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state?
One of the significant achievements has been the empowerment of women. Ogun state was one of the pilot states for the Nigeria for Women project, and the results have been impressive. We have seen other states coming to Ogun for peer learning, and this demonstrates the success of the project. Our governor has also launched the Ogun State Women Economic Empowerment Scheme – a programme aimed at empowering women across all local governments, building on the foundations set by the Nigeria for Women project.
Another notable achievement is in the area of gender-based violence. When I assumed office, there was only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in the state. Today, we have four, with one in each of the four zones of Ogun state. This is a big milestone, but what truly excites me is the addition of shelters at these centres. These shelters serve as safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives. While we’ve made significant progress, our work is far from over, and we’re committed to expanding these services.
One key issue that often comes up when discussing women’s rights is land ownership. What steps are being taken to ensure women have access to land and property ownership in the state?
Land ownership has always been a critical issue for women, particularly in rural communities. We’ve made significant strides in this area, especially through the Nigeria for Women project. This initiative goes beyond providing financial assistance; it empowers women through training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and, crucially, how to acquire and manage land.
In Ogun state, we’ve worked on integrating women into the land ownership process. Women are often marginalised when it comes to owning property, but we are challenging this narrative. We’ve partnered with various stakeholders to ensure that women have the knowledge, tools, and legal support to secure land for farming, business, and personal use. Women need to feel that they have the power and resources to invest in and own property. The economic empowerment that comes from land ownership is critical in lifting women out of poverty and giving them a sustainable source of income.
It sounds like a lot of progress is being made in terms of land access and ownership. But beyond that, how does economic empowerment play into the broader vision of women’s equality in Ogun?
Economic empowerment is the cornerstone of women’s independence. In Ogun state, we’ve been deliberate in providing economic opportunities for women, especially in rural areas. Our Ogun state Women Economic Empowerment Scheme (Okowodapo) is a direct result of our desire to make women economically self-sufficient. Through this programme, women are trained in various skills, including agriculture, business management, and trades like tailoring, food processing, and more. We have seen first-hand how empowering women economically transforms families and communities.
Moreover, we understand that empowerment goes beyond financial support. It’s about giving women the tools to thrive. That’s why we emphasise capacity-building programmes – teaching women financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and how to effectively manage the resources available to them. When women are empowered, they not only improve their own lives, but also contribute significantly to the economy of the state and the country.
Could you share more about the measures taken in tackling gender-based violence in the state?
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical issue, and when I assumed office, I made it a priority to address this deeply concerning problem. One of our first steps was the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers across the state. We now have one in each of the four zones of Ogun State, offering essential services to survivors of violence, such as counseling, medical care, and legal support.
Importantly, we’ve also established shelters at these centers. Survivors of gender-based violence often find themselves without a safe place to go, so the shelters provide them with a temporary safe space where they can begin to heal and re-build their lives.
We believe that empowering survivors of violence involves not only helping them heal emotionally, but also giving them the skills to thrive independently, which is why we’ve integrated skills acquisition centres within the shelters. This combination of shelter and skills training ensures that survivors don’t just recover – they are given the means to start afresh and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
On that note what is your message as the world marks women’s month?
My message is simple: we may not be where we want to be, but we are definitely moving forward. We have made significant strides, but we cannot afford to be complacent. We must continue to advocate for women’s rights, ensure that every woman has access to opportunities, and fight against all forms of injustice.
One step at a time, we will achieve equality and empowerment for all women. I believe that together, we can make this vision a reality.
It’s important that gender-based violence is not seen as an issue only for women to tackle.
Men are also victims, and it’s vital that we recognise this. As for the on-going controversial sexual harassment issue, I call for a thorough investigation into any allegations of wrongdoing. Gender-based violence is a serious issue that affects all of us, and it’s crucial that those found guilty of perpetuating it are held accountable. Our fight against violence must be inclusive and impartial, ensuring that justice is served for all.