As part of efforts to support gender equality in the society, the SINGULARLY ME MOTHERS’ SUPPORT INITIATIVE (SiMMSI) has launched a book, tittled “GENDER EQUALITY TRAINING for SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS (GETSS Student ) Handbook”

SINGULARLY ME MOTHERS’ SUPPORT INITIATIVE (SiMMSI), an initiative of Dr Dolapo Ijarotimi  is a non-governmental organisation which lends its voice to gender balance for a better future for the youths and also the nation.

The event was in commemoration of the 2021 International Day Of Girl-Child which comes up every October 11.

At the launch of the book in Akure, Ondo state, stakeholders who were mainly women stressed the need for men to stop getting defensive whenever they hear the words “Gender Equality” rather, they should know that it was a way of demanding a level playing field for the two genders.

 

Among them was the permanent secretary, Ondo state ministry of education, Mrs Lola Amuda, represented by Mrs Helen Odofin.

Mrs Amuda appreciated the initiative of SiMMSI and advocated more support and patnership from other NGOs as government alone should not be left to the task of achieving MDG GOAL 5.

Mrs Odofin, Rep of Permanent secretary, Ministry of education

Another speaker, the Ondo state director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs Adelayo Adefolalu 2hile unveiling the book encouraged everyone especially girls and mothers to get a copy of the book and  make use of the information contained therein judiciously as this would yield more benefits not only for the girl child but the society at large.

Mrs Adefolalu urged the students present at the event to face their studies squarely as education would help them go far in life and also to make them compete favourably with their male counterparts without fear or intimidation.

Giving the synopsis of the book was the CEO of Kidsnteens NGO- Mrs Shade Bamigboye who broke down the chapters of the book to the students for a better understanding.

M. D. Kidsnteensngo, Shade Bamigboye

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Busola Olumide-Atiba spoke about the vision, mission statements and achievements of the initiative which include supporting outstanding indigent female secondary students, empowering single mothers-entrepreneurship and financial supports.

Mrs Busola Olumide-Atiba

Others are giving supports to victims of Gender Based Violence and taking Gender Equality training to secondary schools.

Mrs Olumide-Atiba expressed delight that the SiMMSI, an NGO of just two years had impacted the lives of several single mothers, widows, brilliant but less privileged secondary school girls and also helped  some women in violent relationships to find their feet within

The school Principal, St Michael’s Catholic High school, Akure, Mr. Adeniyi

She expressed delight that the SiMMSI, an NGO of just two years had impacted the lives of several single mothers, widows, brilliant but less privileged secondary school girls and also helped  some women in violent relationships to find their feet within Ondo State and Oyo states.

Mrs Olumide -Atiba reiterated that at SiMMSI, young  girls are encouraged to maximize their potentials and stand together to ensure that they have a supportive and enabling environment as boys do both in Nigeria and everywhere they find themselves.

A student from Ijo mimo Oluwa high school Akure

Earlier in a welcome address, founder of the SiMMSI, Dr Dolapo Ijarotimi who was represented by her mother, Madam Rhoda Ijarotimi had expressed joy over efforts made so far by the initiative to put smiles on the faces of people.

 

The hand Book launch is sequel to a 12 week training on  Gender Equality to be carried out in chosen  Secondary Schools within the state and the ceremony was attended by the chairperson of WOWICAN Ondo State – Dcns Grace Ademokoya, The Speaker, Ondo State Youth Assembly. Rt. Hon. Victor Oguntoyinbo, School Principals, Teachers and students  from various schools within the state.

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