Empowering women in uniform key to national development – Olujimi

 

By Ibironke Ariyo

Former Senator, Mrs Abiodun Olujimi says empowering women in uniform remains crucial to achieving national development, promoting gender equality and enhancing the country’s security architecture.

Olujimi made the remarks at the 5th edition of ‘Women in Uniform’ organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Command on Thursday in Abuja.

The event with the theme “Accelerate Action” was organised in commemoration of the 2025 United Nations International Women’s Day.

She highlighted the significant contributions women in uniform make to national security, development, and peacebuilding.

She emphasised the need for policies and programmes that support the advancement of women in uniform, protect them from discrimination and harassment.

This, she said, would not only benefit the individuals but also the country as a whole.

Olujimi added that empowering women in uniform would lead to increased participation, improved decision-making, and enhanced effectiveness in their various roles.

She emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for women in uniform to acquire new skills, pursue further education, and mentor others, saying these would help them excel in their careers and make a positive impact on the society.

“I wish women in uniform well. They are our role models because they are the ones that make us know that in the uniform services, we also have people who can hold their own.

“I am so pleased to see so many of them at the helm of affairs and I believe that going forward, policies must be formulated that would assist the women in uniform growth within their various agencies.

“It is key to whatever we’re doing because they will also be instrumental to ensuring that 49 percent of the population is properly catered for and that is very important to our country and of course to our gender.

“I wish them well. I know that this is the beginning for them and they will do well. They should also strive to increase their visibility, ensure that they get more education and be mentors to people coming behind.

“They need to be resilient in whatever they are doing. They must have the ‘can-do’ spirit, That is what will stand them out in the various agencies,” she said.

The former senator called for networking among women, saying it would help them add value and make a positive impact in the society.

In her presentation, retired Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), FRSC, Ojeme Ewhrudjakpor urged women in uniform to strive for excellence and shatter the glass ceiling in their various careers.

Ewhrudjakpor emphasised that women have the potential to excel in their careers, but must be willing to make sacrifices and balance their home and office responsibilities.

She noted that traditional roles assigned to women, such as mothering and domestic chores, should not limit their ambitions, but rather serve as a foundation for their growth and development.

She identified recruitment bias, lack of training, and mentorship as some of the challenges facing women in uniform, and advocated for policies and programmes to address these issues.

“We need to prove ourselves as women, and this can be done by the government helping us, having policies on gender discrimination,” Ewhrudjakpor said.

She urged women in uniform to be agents of change, support one another, and celebrate their successes, saying “a win for one woman, is a win for all.”

Ewhrudjakpor emphasised the importance of operational excellence, saying it was not about gender, but about competency.

“I encourage women in uniform to go for training to develop themselves in their careers, and to be conversant with current events to contribute meaningfully in meetings,” she said.

One of the speakers, a former NTA director, Mrs Seun Olagunju shared her personal experiences and emphasised the need for more balanced reporting.

Olagunju noted the importance of showcasing the complexities and diversity of women in uniform, going beyond stereotypes while highlighting their achievements.

She spoke about the mental resilience required to navigate the challenges of a male-dominated profession, stressing that “it’s not just about physical strength, but mental toughness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.”

The event brought together women from various uniform services, including the military, police, and paramilitary organisations.

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