To support rape victims and also provide ideas on how rape could be prevented, she passionately set up Tender Hearts Family Support Initiative many years ago. Pastor(Mrs.) Taiwo Iredele Odubiyi, a woman famous for ministering on relationships, is also a prolific writer who has to her credit over 20 books, notably inspirational romance novels and children literature.

A few decades ago when the United Nations was sensitized on the global plight of women by our western sisters, it was decided that the most effective way of resolving the issue was to get governments around the world to be committed to uplifting the status of the women in their domain.

Through the Fate Foundation where she is the Executive Director, Mrs.Osayi Alile-Oruene is unleashing her passion- training young people to be successful entrepreneurs , as a way of reducing the ever increasing number of job-seekers in a society where there are very limited jobs. Vista Woman engaged her in a chat recently.

A few years ago, a friend whose son and daughter-in-law had very good jobs in Europe, persuaded the couple to relocate to Nigeria, to come use their skills to help develop the country, and also raise their children on our soil so that they can get connected to their roots.

Hon. Mrs Elizabeth Ativie is the only woman in the Edo State House of Assembly. She is the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, representing Uhunmwode Constituency. Cutting her political teeth in 1999 when she first contested for the State House of Assembly but had to step down twice for one of the party candidates in 1999 and 2003, Hon. Ativie went back to the drawing board in 2006, contested again in 2007 elections and she won the elections. But she had barely spent 18 months in office before losing her mandate when the tribunal nullified the elections.

One could feel the anger and the frustration behind each text message we received on our piece on how fuel pumps attendants short-change customers. Maybe many of us are still smarting from the recent hefty fuel hike, and the current exorbitant costs of kerosene and diesel; or perhaps just the stress of having to cope with many things that don’t work in our beloved country. However, everyone who wrote in was displeased with all the fuel-related problems we have to endure.

Mrs. Anne Lawal is the Senior Programme Officer of Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, a non-governmental organization in the forefront of promoting the rights of women and girls. She spoke with Vista Woman recently in commemoration of the year 2012 International Women’s Day, highlighting progress made on issues affecting women and girls. Her words:

Some days after this year’s Valentine’s day, I asked some young persons in this trendy shop in my neighbourhood how the day had been for them. “Did you tell daddy and mummy, and other members of your family how much you love and appreciate them in your lives? Did you do something special for them, or perhaps give them cards expressing your affection for them?” I asked.

In her determination to help raise God-fearing and dynamic women leaders, Rev.(Mrs.)Anuli Ausbeth-Ajagu, has in the last five years convened an annual congress tagged ‘High Impact Women’s Congress’ under the aegis of Divine Heritage Gospel Ministry, a faith-based non-profit organization which she founded many years back. Recently, the fifth edition of the congress was held in Lagos with the theme, ‘Winning on all Fronts’. Vista Woman cornered her at the event and she bared her mind on the Bible’s perspective on gender equality. Enjoy.

Reacting to our piece above, some readers agree that it’s time for our government to tackle seriously, the issue of upgrading the facilities our international airports in the country, in order to attract good business. FAAN, especially, had quite some bashing for the structures and facilities that it provides at our airports.

Jumoke Adenowo is the founder of Awesome Treasures Foundation(ATF)- a faith based non-governmental organisation that identifies and develops transformational leaders to positively help in achieving the Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs).

WE were waiting to be served at this filling station when a gentleman drove furiously into the station and screeched to a halt, attracting much attention. “My friend, please come here,” he told the attendant at the pump. “Er, oga, I’m busy now.” “Alright, I’ll wait for you to finish attending to that vehicle.” When the attendant finished, he turned to the man. “Yes, oga?

Chief(Mrs.)Felicia Aderemi Ilaka is the President/Founder of Old Peoples Welfare Foundation, an organisation that is presently catering for the needs of over 2,000 aged people in Lagos. Mrs.Ilaka who hails from Ijebu Ijesha-Ilesa in Osun State will be clocking 79. In this interview, she laments the spate of suffering amongst elderly people in Nigeria.
Excerpts:

I was glad to note that readers who sent in their views on the need for us to ensure better parenting for a better society, agreed that the issue needs to be taken seriously. While some urge parents to be more involved in the lives of their wards, others blame the government for not helping parents do their jobs properly. These latter have a point.

Mrs.Funmi Doherty has been in the forefront of combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria for decades. National President, Society for Women and AIDS in Africa, Nigeria- SWAAN, Funmi is also the Head of the Medical Social Service Department at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital- LUTH.