The First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency Ambassador Prof Olufolake AbdulRazaq has highlighted the government's commitment to promoting gender equality, STEM education, and inclusive governance.

She made this knowing while delivering keynote address at the groundbreaking event titled “STEM Education as a Catalyst to Accelerate Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Kwara State by Kwara State Government.”

The event was organized by the office of Special Adviser on Education to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau in partnership with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), March 20 in New York.

Addressing attendees, Mrs Abdulrazaq expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the impactful initiatives of the Kwara State government. She acknowledged the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in fostering equality and empowering women in various spheres of life.

Highlighting the government's efforts, she mentioned the introduction of KwaraLEARN, an initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills among teachers and improving learning outcomes in public schools. Additionally, she emphasized the significance of the 35% Gender Inclusion Bill signed into law by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak in December 2021, which promotes the representation of women in government and political processes.

Mrs Abdulrazaq also underscored the role of social investment programmes such as the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) in empowering individuals and businesses across the state. She further detailed her personal contributions through the Ajike People Support Centre, a charity initiative focused on supporting women and youth through skills acquisition programme and providing necessary tools for entrepreneurship.

Notably, the initiatives led by Mrs Abdulrazaq's office have trained thousands of women and youth in various skills, equipped farmers with modern farming techniques, and promoted environmental conservation practices among rural communities.

In conclusion, Mrs Abdulrazaq reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the government's agenda for inclusive education, gender equality, and youth empowerment. She expressed optimism for future partnerships and pledged continued support towards the socio-economic development of Kwara State.

Also speaking, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, the Kwara State Special Adviser on Education discussed the importance of promoting STEAM education, the government's efforts to empower women and youth, and the need for respecting human rights online.

While speaking further on a range of topics related to education, gender equality, and social Issues, Dr. Salau also emphasized the challenges faced in encouraging girls in STEM fields, the importance of gender diversity in STEM, and the education crisis in Africa.

Additionally, she elucidated on teenage pregnancy and the need for promoting peace and stability to ensure continuity of education.

In addition to the previously mentioned highlights, the event earlier featured welcome remarks by Ambassador (Mrs) Caroline Usikpedo-Oliseowe, Executive Director of Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development, Nigeria, who also introduced the speakers.

Speaker 2, Ms. Rosa Lizarde, Convenor of Women Working Group on Financing for Development, Commitee on the Status of Women, United Nations, shared insights during the event.

Ms. Gloria KanKam, representing STEM-Ghana, added her perspective to the dialogue on STEM education and gender equality.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ambassador (Mrs) Caroline Usikpedo-Oliseowe, reiterating the importance of collaboration and continued efforts towards promoting gender equality and STEM education.