For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment

MESSAGE FROM PROF. ELISABETA SMARANDA OLARINDE, THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Dear Members of our University Community,

Today, we proudly join the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, a time to honour the achievements, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women worldwide.

This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to reaffirm our commitment to a world where every woman is encouraged and empowered to reach her full potential.

As an institution dedicated to learning and innovation, we recognize that genderequity and equality is not just a matter of justice but a fundamental driver of progress. We take immense pride in our students, faculty, researchers, and staff, especially the women who continue to excel, inspire, and break barriers in their respective fields.

Yet, while we celebrate the progress made, we must also acknowledge the persistent challenges that hinder the advancement of women, such as; gender-based violence, discrimination and limited access to opportunities for leadership, which still remain significant barriers. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and foster an environment where all women and girls are not just included but fully empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive.

At ABUAD, we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting gender equity through progressive policies, mentorship programs, scholarships, and research initiatives that advocate for women’s rights, opportunities and inclusion.

On this occasion, let us come together to build a future where every woman and girl enjoys the rights, the dignity and shares equally with her men peers she deserves. When women recognized, motivated and empowered, the entire society prospers

Happy International Women’s Day!

Professor E. Smaranda OLARINDE, FCArb, FCAI
Vice-Chancellor (ABUAD),
8th March, 2025.