15/04/2026
*WELCOME ADDRESS TO THE NIGERIAN FEMALE STUDENTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE*
Distinguished Colleagues, Fellow Nigerian Female Students, Esteemed Stakeholders and Leaders, Honored Dignitaries, and Other Alutarians.
It is with a deep sense of honor and responsibility that I, Ajiboye Hawawu address you in this Leadership Conference, which commemorates the International Women’s Day. As the National Vice President of National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), I stand before you not merely as a leader, but as a representative of thousands of brilliant, and ambitious girl-child who are the mothering future of Nigeria.
Our chosen theme for this conference is “*Champion A Realistic Gender Equity*”, and it could not be more timely. In recent global attention, Female representation and Gender Balance has been a key concern which deserves to be addressed.
While there might be claims that women are given chances in some areas, is the *Representation a Reality* or just a *Paper Weight?*
*WHAT IS GENDR EQUITY?*
Gender equity, is defined as provision of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women, men and all genders.” Gender equity is important because, historically, societies around the world have deemed females and nonbinary people as “weaker” or less important than males.
Gender equity means respecting all people without discrimination, regardless of their gender. It also means addressing gender inequalities that limit a person’s ability to access opportunities to achieve better health, education and economic opportunity based on their gender.
As students , our duty is not just to learn in the classroom but to question, to imagine, to improvise and foster logical solutions. In Nigeria, where our communities face challenges, women and children has always been the major victims ranging from R**e, Gender Mutilation, Unwanted Pregnancy, Unfair Tradition and Religion, More Out of School Girls due to Crises, Gender Discrimination, Victimization and Lot More.
In this century, there is need to orientate our community on gender support and the first step begins in the classroom *LIBERATION*, Family *ORIENTATION* and grassroots *ADVOCACY*.
*HOW TO CHAMPION A REALISTIC GENDER EQUITY*
One way to promote gender equity is to celebrate strong women in all aspects of life. History bears a long list of intelligent and powerful women who have broken barriers and changed the future for women everywhere.
We can emulate from few examples we have around us, Discuss gender equality with family members and children, Promote economic empowerment, Increase women's leadership and representation, Enforce legal and policy reforms, Talk to Men, and use of technology.
Laws and policies that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all genders can significantly reduce discrimination and promote fairness. For instance, gender quotas in political representation have proven successful in increasing the number of women in decision-making positions.
In the spirit of togetherness, let us all promote the spirit of Equity and take responsibilities to care for one another and share with one another because a United force can not be dismantled. Every individual must be prepared to take charge in their respective dockets.
Fellow Alutarians, It would be ungrateful not to acknowledge the sacrifices you've made to make this day a possible. I want to assure you that NFSAN as a point of contact will be the government of the Nigerian Female Students, stand by the Nigerian Female Students and be for the Nigerian Female Students.
The energy, the faith, the devotion, the commitment which we shall bring to this endeavour shall light NFSAN and all who serve it.
Thank you all!
Long Live NFSAN!
Long Live The Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Yours in advocacy,
Ajiboye Hawawu. O
National Vice President, National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN)
15/04/2026
