A University Don, Professor Helen Bodunde has emphasized the important role played by women in family integration and community development.
Professor Helen Bodunde, a Professor of Communication and Teaching English as Second Language at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, made this call on Saturday, at a women development forum, organized by Ifedara Opeji Area CDC Women Development Project in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Professor Bodunde, who is also the President of Education, Gender Youth and Family Network, EDUGUF-N, while speaking on the theme, “The Roles of Women In Family Integration and Community Development”, said women play significant role in every area of human development, hence the need to ensure access to opportunities that would further harness their potentials for the development of family, community, society, state and nation.
Prof Bodunde, while calling on women to be open in their marriages, stressed the need to accommodate more women so that they can give in their best in family, workforce and the society in general.
She however advocated for more empowerment for women, as well as cooperative as part of steps to mitigate against set backs for women as a whole.
She said, “Women are mothers of the home and they play critical roles in education and socialization of the children, home management, family integration and community development”.
“No limit should be placed on what they can collectively constitute to community development because women constitute a powerful social class”.
“In our society, the factors militating against the role of women in community development, has caused a lot of economic, social and political set backs and for there to be integration in the family and Community, there must be cordial relationship at the home front”.
“Women are influencer and key factor to grow a society and as family is the first place children can relate with people, parents, especially women should ensure that they are good role model to their children”, she added.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of Ifedara Opeji Area CDC, Alhaji (Asiwaju) Dapo Wahab, called on women to unite their homes and not be swayed by any societal influence.
Asiwaju Dapo Wahab stressed the need for women to adjust with the current economic reality in the country.
He however reassured the community women of his leadership’s dedication to continue to see to the development and empowerment of women in the community.
He said, “Primarily, women are caregiver of children and husband in every home, and it is imperative for our women in community to unite their families”.
“It is important to note that not tangible development can happen where there is no unity, Peace, love and support”.
“Women at this trying time should be aware of the present economic reality of Nigeria and they must do everything within their power to make their family intact and adjust to new realities and challenges”.
“In addition, let me admonish all the women in ifedara-Opeji ACDC to let their activities in their various communities impact positively in our communities and that they should not be swayed by others opinions”.
“In conclusion, I realize as a community leader that Empowered women Empower women, Ifedara-Opeji Area CDC will continue to see to the empowerment of our women in community”.
“I appreciate our guest speaker, professor (Mrs) Helen Bodunde for honouring our invitation and I wish Ifedara – Opeji ACDC Women Forum greater years of celebration”, he stressed.
Also present at the event are; Mrs Wonuola Kazeem: Director: women empowerment (Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs), Mrs Ogundimu (National orientation Agency), Chief Lamidi Ibrahim Akinkunmi (Baale Asubiaro township), Chief kuforiji, Alhaja Rabiu (Women Rep – BODE- Olude Area CDC), Mrs ojuolape Adeogun: Women Rep Fadage ACDC and Alhaji Ibrahim Ojewale, among others.
