The BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Association (BRECAN), on Saturday, celebrated International Women’s Day with girls from selected secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, organised by Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, took place at the BRECAN Centre on Akinyemi Way, Off Ring Road, Ibadan.
Flanked by secondary school girls and other dignitaries, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu called for greater female representation in Nigeria’s state and national assemblies to promote gender equality.
Speaking on the theme “Accelerated Action” to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), she emphasised the urgent need to elect more courageous women into both state and national assemblies.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu expressed concern over recent events in the National Assembly, where only four women hold seats, one of whom was recently suspended.
She commended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for her courage in expanding her constituency to include all Nigerian women.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu stated that the theme of the 2025 IWD, “Accelerated Action,” should serve as a wake-up call to implement both short-term and long-term strategies for achieving gender parity.
“For the short term, we need to elect courageous women to represent us in both state and national assemblies,” she asserted.
“In the long term, there’s an urgent need to create environments, like the BEMORE Summer Bootcamp, where young girls can gain practical experience in advancing their goals,” she added.
She emphasised that two key factors could transform a young girl into a leader: “understanding her self-worth and discovering her ability to be productive.” “Being productive eliminates dependency, which is largely responsible for the imbalance of power between men and women,” she explained.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu also highlighted the importance of encouraging young women to pursue education and make informed career choices to achieve financial independence. “As young women become more educated and make the right career choices, the future will be brighter than today. So, let’s get to work now!”
In her keynote address, Mrs. Aminat Animashaun, CEO of De’rayo Vocational Limited, urged the students in attendance to dream big, stay focused, be patient, and remain determined. She also called on the government to support startup businesses and create an enabling environment that would promote competitiveness.
Animashaun emphasized the importance of vocational education and training alongside formal education to boost the economic empowerment of youths.
Schools that participated are: Tobi International School, Jericho, Ibadan, Marella International School, Ibadan, Lariken International School, Ibadan, Higher Ground Mega School, Ibadan and George and Duke International School, Ibadan
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