Our Welfare matters and more

by Grace Dejimodo

It’s been a while since the last blog post and for good reasons too! The past few months, I’ve been busy working on several projects, including one on Entrepreneurship and Welfare, that will soon be shared in this blog. Today’s post features one of the projects, and includes information about an exciting event happening soon, as Grace explains below.

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In today’s society, it is not only intellectual growth that is important for students, but also the development of their welfare, leadership and economic skills.

But, despite the advancements made in recent years, female students still face so many challenges that can hinder their welfare, their ability to assume leadership roles and their financial wellbeing. I would like to shed more light on the importance of promoting these issues for female students and highlight the various ways in which institutions and society can contribute to their empowerment.

One aspect of supporting female students is providing them with equal opportunities in education. It is important that educational institutions create an environment that nurtures the talents and aspirations of all students, regardless of their gender. This has to do with eliminating any gender-based stereotypes or biases that may exist within the curriculum, fostering a supportive and respectful atmosphere, and offering mentorship programmes that specifically target and encourage female students.

It is also essential to bridge the gender gap in leadership by providing female students with opportunities for leadership training and mentorship. Institutions should establish mentorship programmes that connect female students with successful women in various fields. Through these programmes, students can gain insight into different career paths, obtain guidance on navigating challenges, and establish invaluable connections with inspiring role models.

However, promoting self-esteem and confidence is also vital for students to thrive academically and assume leadership positions.

Unfortunately, many female students such face societal pressures that can make them have low self-esteem. These pressures include traditional expectations, peer and media influences, family challenges, sexualised images, etc. Institutions can help to prevent this through initiatives that focus on boosting self-confidence, body positivity, and assertiveness. They can also encourage female students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as public speaking and discussions that can also increase their self-confidence.

Creating safe spaces

Safety goes beyond physical security and extends to emotional well-being. Schools should develop policies and procedures to combat bullying, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring a zero-tolerance approach towards such behaviours. Most institutions claim to have provision for counselling services but can students really access them? Rather, female students rely on their own friendship groups and support networks to cope with the challenges they are facing.

Addressing gender biases and stereotypes is necessary for fostering a more conducive environment where female students can excel. Educators and parents must continue to challenge traditional gender norms and emphasize that leadership is not confined to a particular gender. By promoting positive representations of women in leadership positions through literature, media, and discussions, we can challenge and change societal views.

Women belong in every place where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Empowering female students is key to helping them discover their potentials and creating a more equitable society. It is only through collective and sustained efforts that we can establish a society where female students are empowered to become leaders in their respective fields and contribute to building a brighter future for all.

This is why an amazing event, the International Female Students Conference is being planned for 16th September in Ibadan, Nigeria, for those studying at any tertiary education institution in Southwest region. We will be exploring this important theme: OUR WELFARE MATTERS. Watch this video for details and be sure to join us for an unforgettable experience!

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