Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the importance of using education to shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors from an early age in Nigeria and across Africa. She highlighted that early education should be given the highest priority, particularly in efforts to address child and youth violence.
Speaking at the launch of the #WeAreEqual campaign in Angola, alongside other African First Ladies under the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Senator Tinubu stressed that education is a key element in any progressive society. She called for integrating activities in education that challenge traditional gender roles, aiming to foster a culture where boys and men respect and value women and girls as equals.
Senator Tinubu expressed concern over the ongoing issues of gender and domestic violence, including rape and defilement. She believes that educated and well-informed individuals are less likely to engage in such behaviors. She emphasized that education is not just about gaining knowledge and skills but also about instilling values of respect, empathy, and understanding. She called for collective efforts to achieve these goals, for the sake of current and future generations.
The President of Angola, Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, who opened the conference, urged First Ladies to speak out against global conflicts, noting that women and children are often the most affected. He praised OAFLAD’s efforts to give women a strong voice in advocating for equal rights and opportunities.
Angola’s First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenco, committed to continuing the fight against rape and strengthening legislation to ensure appropriate punishment for offenders. The #WeAreEqual campaign in Angola focused on how education can help achieve gender equality and combat violence against children and youth. The event was attended by the First Ladies of Sao Tome, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and representatives from other countries.
