Mrs. Funmi Falana, SAN, Founder and Chair of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), delivered a rousing address at a recent State Banquet in Ado Ekiti, urging Nigerian women to claim their rightful place in society. A stalwart advocate for women’s rights and defender of the oppressed, Mrs. Falana denounced the notion that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, describing it as outdated and unworthy of modern society.
The event, held in honour of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Ekiti State and marking the second anniversary of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, provided a fitting platform for Mrs. Falana to encourage women to aspire to leadership. She expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, underscoring that one’s achievements could indeed be celebrated in one’s homeland.
Addressing the audience, Mrs. Falana emphasized that women must refuse marginalization and discrimination. She said, “Women can attain the peak of their careers through hard work and resilience. This honour is a call to younger women to rise and claim their place in society, recognising their equal importance alongside men.” She affirmed that a woman’s contribution should not be limited by stereotypes, but defined by her aspirations and achievements.
A distinguished legal practitioner, Mrs. Falana reflected on her lifelong commitment to advocating for the rights of women and the oppressed. “My work in women’s rights and law has always been driven by a commitment to empower and protect. This recognition is a testament to that commitment and the vital contributions women make to societal progress,” she said. Mrs. Falana reminded her audience that, with diligence and determination, women could surmount societal barriers and assume positions of influence.
Her message aligns profoundly with WELA’s mission to uplift and empower women across Nigeria, fostering a society where every woman can fulfil her potential, unhampered by gender-based limitations. Mrs. Falana’s recognition, along with her work through WELA, serves as a beacon for Nigerian women, inspiring them to aspire for leadership and advocate for equitable representation in public life.
Through her example and words, Mrs. Falana continues to champion the advancement of women, encouraging each woman to take her rightful place as a leader, contributor, and equal stakeholder in the nation’s progress.