Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, alongside African counterparts, has emphasized that closing the gender gap is not an act of charity but a matter of justice.
This was championed at the 28th Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) General Assembly.
Tinubu stressed that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and gender inequality, citing the lack of skills hindering girls from making informed choices about their health and future.
Addressing embedded social norms like early marriage and childbearing, Tinubu expressed concern about obstacles such as sexual violence, family health crises, and poverty forcing girls out of classrooms across Nigeria.
She announced a nationwide initiative, the Alternative High School for Girls, aimed at providing a second chance for those who dropped out due to early pregnancies, economic hardship, or cultural biases.
Tinubu highlighted the inseparable link between education and health, emphasizing their role in societal progress. She commended the OAFLAD theme, “Educate Her and Transform Africa,” stating that it aligns with the joint mission for a thriving and progressive continent.
The first lady also informed the gathering about the government’s efforts to combat cervical cancer, revealing that a woman dies every 90 seconds from the disease. She outlined initiatives, including collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to introduce the Human Papilloma Vaccine into the National Routine Vaccination Programme.
Other African first ladies echoed the importance of tackling issues related to women through health, education, economic empowerment, and the eradication of gender-based violence.
The vice-president of OAFLAD and first lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing women’s issues on the continent.
The assembly served as a platform for sharing experiences and interventions, with the First Lady of Ethiopia emphasizing the role of school feeding programs in curbing school dropouts due to low standards of living. Together, these leaders advocated for transformative measures to enhance access to health and education for 21st-century African women and girls.
