Women Leaders Rally Behind Mojisola Meranda, Demand Protection of Women’s Representation in Leadership
Women leaders and advocates for gender equality have declared their unwavering support for Rt. Hon. Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling on stakeholders to protect and uphold women’s representation in leadership.
At a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, February 6, 2025, two prominent women’s groups—Women for Good Governance in Lagos State and the Coalition of Professional Women in Politics (COPWIP)—praised Meranda’s groundbreaking achievement and urged all stakeholders to support her leadership.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Fatee Mohammed, convener of Women for Good Governance, described Meranda’s emergence as a historic milestone for women in politics and a testament to the evolving democratic landscape in Lagos State.
“For decades, women have played pivotal roles in governance, often behind the scenes. Today, we celebrate a woman who has broken barriers, defied stereotypes, and risen to the pinnacle of legislative leadership in our state,” Mohammed said.
She highlighted Meranda’s dedication to progressive policies, social welfare, and the empowerment of women and youth, emphasizing that her leadership would bring dynamic and people-centered legislation to the Lagos Assembly.
“Leadership thrives on collective effort, and we must all play our part to ensure a successful tenure for our Speaker. This is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for more female participation in governance,” she added.
Similarly, Dr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, President of COPWIP, underscored the significance of Meranda’s position, warning that any attempt to remove her would be a major setback for women’s representation in governance.
“Mojisola Meranda has made history, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in leadership. Her removal would not only be a personal loss but also a setback for the progress we have made in political inclusion,” Owolabi stated.
Calling for collective action to defend women’s leadership, Owolabi urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that Meranda’s tenure remains uninterrupted.
“Women’s leadership must not be undermined. We must stand together to affirm that women deserve to be seen, heard, and respected in leadership,” she concluded.
The event, held at The Class Signature in Opebi, Ikeja, ended with a resounding declaration of support for Meranda’s leadership, with participants rallying around the hashtag #StandWithMeranda to amplify their message.
