Betty Akeredolu, the first lady of Ondo State, has promised to completely stop female genital mutilation in the state.
She also pledged to continue the monthly ‘Gbebiro’ Programme initiated by her predecessor, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko.
Mrs. Akeredolu said this in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 to mark the 2017 International Women’s Day celebration.
She declared that the traditional practices against women, especially female genital mutilation would be fought completely.
“We are going to fight against it and I am going to lead it. It will be stamped out of this state,”she vowed
She stated that the theme of the celebration: “Be Bold for Change,” would help to raise women that are bold with decorum so that they could be proactive and take positive actions to drive gender equality.
According to her, aside the boldness and courage to impact the society, the campaign would also change the world of work and help to attain 35 Percent Affirmative Action before 2030. She said the dream would be driven by the education of the girl-child.
She said, “Before women were housewives, but now are gradually graduating to captains of industries, top decision makers in all facets of life; and we are marching on.
“Housewife is not synonymous with motherhood. You can be a mother and housewife, and still be at the top of your careers. It is no longer man’s world, it is man and woman’s world.”
