The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has stressed the need to tackle gender pay gap, gender-based violence and other Inequalities towards female lawyers.
She noted this in her remarks at the 4th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) held yesterday at Oriental Hotel, Lagos State.
She asserted that “Women lawyers are uniquely positioned to address the issues that women face every day, including the gender pay gap, gender-based violence, and other inequalities. The law is a powerful tool that can be used to advocate for change, and women lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive meaningful change in our society.”
Read full statement below;
REMARKS BY HER EXCELLENCY, THE FIRST LADY OF OGUN STATE, MRS. BAMIDELE ABIODUN AT THE 4TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NBA WOMEN FORUM, ORIENTAL HOTEL, LAGOS
Protocols.
I am honored to join you today at the 4th Annual General Conference and International Women’s Day event of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum. This gathering of powerful women legal practitioners is a reflection of this forum’s commitment to championing the cause of female lawyers in Nigeria, and I applaud your dedication to addressing issues impacting their professional growth and well-being.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the NBAWF, under the leadership of Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, for leading the way in pushing for the rights of not just women lawyers in Nigeria, but professional women everywhere. I also commend the executives, members, and the Conference Planning Committee, led by Mrs. Folashade Alli, SAN, for their dedication and hard work in organizing this remarkable event.
The theme of this year’s event, “Beyond the Balance Sheet: Redefining Success for Women in Law,” is both timely and impactful. It challenges us to look beyond traditional measures of success and consider the holistic well-being and advancement of women in the legal profession and beyond.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role that women lawyers play in our society. Women lawyers are not just legal practitioners; they are advocates for justice, equality, and fairness. They are trailblazers who pave the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Women lawyers are uniquely positioned to address the issues that women face every day, including the gender pay gap, gender-based violence, and other inequalities. The law is a powerful tool that can be used to advocate for change, and women lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive meaningful change in our society.
It is imperative that we continue to support and empower women lawyers, ensuring that they have access to opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Mentorship workshops and conferences focusing on gender equality, leadership, and personal development, such as those organized by the NBAWF, are instrumental in equipping women lawyers with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their respective fields.
As we strive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, let us remember that our actions today will shape the future for generations to come. I commend the NBAWF for its dedication to promoting economic inclusion and advancement opportunities for female lawyers and all women.
Thank you once again to the leadership of the NBAWF and to everyone here present.
H.E. MRS. BAMIDELE ABIODUN
First Lady, Ogun State
