The Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, delivered an empowering message to women in academia, urging them to embrace their responsibilities irrespective of challenges. She stressed the significance of embodying honor and substance as women, highlighting that humility in power is a virtue, not a weakness.
Dr. Adubiaro delivered her address during a lecture at the Federal University of Oye, where the National Association of Women in Academics (NAWACS) Fuoye Chapter celebrated International Women’s Day 2024. Under the theme “Breaking Stereotypes: Redefining Gender Roles in Education and Economy” in Oye-Ekiti, she encouraged women to strive for positions beyond perceived limitations and acknowledge their potential for success in leadership roles.
Discussing stereotypes, Dr. Adubiaro emphasized their detrimental effects, leading to unfair assumptions, treatment, inequality, and discrimination. She highlighted how these rigid notions constrain the potential of both men and women by confining them to societal expectations.
Addressing gender roles, Dr. Adubiaro explained how societal norms influence behaviors, attitudes, and opportunities for men and women. She stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values, including the application of scientific knowledge in technology for practical purposes.
Advocating against allowing historical gender stereotypes to dictate career paths, Dr. Adubiaro encouraged individuals to pursue their aspirations. She highlighted the skewed representation of women in STEM fields due to societal expectations and called for breaking barriers in education and careers traditionally dominated by men.
The Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Sunday Fasina, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor,Prof.Tajudeen Opoola highlighted the indispensable role women play in society, emphasizing their significance as companions, mothers, and pillars of support deserving utmost respect. He praised Dr. Adubiaro’s humility and dedication, commending her active involvement in university activities despite her busy schedule.
Earlier, the President of NAWACS FUOYE chapter, Prof. Cecilia Olufunke Akintayo, emphasized the crucial roles women play both at home and in the workplace. She described women in academics at FUOYE as hardworking, trustworthy, and commendable for balancing their professional and personal duties effectively.