From Our Correspondent
Wife of Edo Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki has threatened legal action against public officials who marginalise women in appointments, especially at the local government level.
Obaseki made the threat Wednesday evening at the Edo Women Summit, to mark the 2023 Alaghodaro Summit in Benin City.
TheNewsZenith reports that the event attracted women from the 18 local government areas of the State.
Betsy, who acknowledged progress made in empowering women across the state, remarked that the fight for gender equality had only just begun.
According to her, it is essential to secure positions for women in the highest echelons of power.
The governor’s wife vowed to use the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law to challenge gender-based discrimination within the political sphere.
She stressed that female officeholders deserve respect, equal opportunities and fair compensation for their contributions to the state’s development.
She noted that another battle for gender equality “is on the horizon and I pledge to hold those responsible for marginalising women accountable”.
Betsy lamented that women had faced many obstacles in their quest for political representation. This is because some men continued to resist and hinder their progress.
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She drew attention to the treatment of female vice-chairpersons at the local government councils.
The state First Lady described their exclusion from important meetings and decision-making processes as unacceptable.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Ovia, lauded the Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s initiatives, especially in the area of education.
“The promotion of teachers, with many now serving as permanent secretaries, and improved conditions for primary school teachers are commendable,” Ovia said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy, Sara Esangbedo-Ajose eulogised the governor for his positive impact on people of Edo.
Esangbedo-Ajose also celebrated the increased representation of women in the state cabinet.
Earlier, representatives from the three senatorial districts acknowledged the First Lady’s role in securing positions for women in the face of marginalisation.
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