Siju Iluyomade’s Advocacy for Women Fruitfulness 

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult,’’ says Melinda Gates.

For Dr Siju Iluyomade, convener of the women’s advocacy and empowerment non-governmental organisation, making her voice heard in the male-dominated society has never been difficult. When she launched the NGO 15 years ago, she lined up top women to advocate for women for their voices to be heard and be included in the scheme of things in the country. 

That her effort has been fruitful is definitely stating the obvious. The trained lawyer is delighted and has expressed her delight with recent recognition being given to women in governance, both at the federal and state levels. This is even as the organisation plans to push for more at the forthcoming 15th edition of Arise Women, slated for October, with several activities lined up at the event, tagged #StepUp. This year’s event is expected to gather more top and highly influential women.

For over 30 years, the accomplished lawyer has played a pivotal role in championing Vanguard for Women’s rightful position in national development. She has spearheaded various initiatives, such as Handmaidens (Women in Leadership) WILS, Arise Women, and other platforms, empowering women to embrace leadership roles.

While expressing her joy with the development, Dr Siju as she is fondly called, says “I am delighted that our advocacy for more women to take up a rightful place in governance at the highest level is gradually yielding results, we are not be there yet but the little improvement witnessed in number of women in the Federal Executive Council wouldn’t have been achieved if we had kept quiet.”  It is now on record that the ministerial nominees’ list sent to the Senate for screening by the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has a total of nine women on the list; a swift departure from the past, with less than five women given ministerial appointments.

According to information made available to Society Watch, this year’s edition of Arise Women Conference will begin on October 14 with Arise Walk For Life, which will take place in clusters across the country. It will be followed by the Arise Golf Tournament on the 20th, while the Arise Football Academy match will be held at the Onikan Stadium on October 21.

The grand finale of the activities will climax on October 28 at the Trinity Towers, City of David, Victoria Island and other four event centres along the COD road, Dideolu Estate, Lagos.