International Women’s Day: Association canvasses free education for females

International Women’s Day: Association canvasses free education for females

By Olubukola Aiyedogbon

Women

Ilorin, March 7, 2020 (NAN) The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Ilorin branch, have called for free education for women to encourage and promote female education and economic development in Nigeria.

The association’s Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babatunde, said this while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of a walk against inequality, organised by the group to mark the international women’s day,

Babatunde, who said that the theme for the 2020 international women’s day was “Each for Each”, added that gender equality is not about women issue alone.

“We are here today to celebrate the international women’s day in line with global trend, celebrating women who have contributed to various aspects of life.

The theme for this year’s celebration “each for each” signifies that the world would enable equality in all ramifications.

“Gender inequality is not about women issue, it is a world issue, an economic issue; there should be equality irrespective of age, colour, gender or location.

“Equal opportunities should be given to everyone and that is the mission of this association, which promotes excellence in professionalism among women engineers.

“And also to promote and increase awareness of girl child education in the field of engineering.

“It will be impressive if education is free for all women. If education is free for women, it is going to encourage and promote female education and development in the country,” she said.

While speaking on the challenges of women engineers, the chairman described it as erroneous believe that engineering is a male dominated profession.

“Women engineers have some challenges because there has been this stereotyped believe that engineering is profession mostly for men and dominated by men.

“That is why we have associations like this to create awareness, that engineering is not just for males, it is a profession for both males and females; we need to correct this mentality,” Babatunde said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association also used the walk to create awareness and enlightened people on the challenges of Lassa fever and the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“We are also using this opportunity to create awareness on the issue of Lassa fever and Coronavirus.

“We want our people to be enlightened and take safety precautions against these diseases by keeping our environment clean and promoting good hygiene.

“We as engineers have a role to play in ensuring that our people live a healthy life,” the chairman said.

NAN reports that the walk took-off at the Kwara Ministry of Works and Transport through Unity road in Ilorin. (NAN)

OJB/ESAN/MST 

Edited by Abiodun Esan/Muhammad Suleiman Tola