*COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION CELEBRATES ALL WOMEN,ENCOURAGES MEN TO RESPECT EVERY WOMAN’S JOURNEY*

To every woman who has ever walked with her head held high against the headwinds of societal norms,pressures,cultural and ideological constraints, your strength is not measured in the loudness of your voice but is measured in the steadfastness of your spirit.

Today,we celebrate not just what we have overcome as women but what and who we have become ; Carriers of compassion,architects of change and keepers of a grace that transforms the world without fanfare

Your legacy as a woman isn’t just in breaking glass ceilings but in how tenderly you gather the broken shards of glass to build windows for others to follow without going through the pains you have

It will be surprising to know how many women sit in their cars,on their beds or in the bathroom and cry behind closed doors because she’s so stressed up but when she shows up again, she appears fine,cool and unbothered

Women are so resilient but they go through a lot. You’ll never know how many battles she’s fighting behind that calm,serene facade

She doesn’t ask for help and just handles her business She gets up,shows up to fulfil her obligations and does the needful no matter how upset,broke or exhausted she really is

Behind her apparent strength is exhaustion but behind that exhaustion beats a heart that refuses to give up ,that continues to sacrifice because of the needs of her family and loved ones

Please endeavour to respect every woman’s journey because while she might not show it , you can be sure she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders with grace

Women are angels and even when someone breaks our wings,we simply continue to fly…on a broomstick if neccesary,we never give up.

If a woman believes in you,your vision and makes up her mind to support you,forget any challenges,she will move heaven and earth including on her knees ,in the place of prayer to make sure your goal is achieved.

Women are amazing like that.

If you’re a woman and you’re reading this,I just want to let you know that you are seen,you are valued ,you are appreciated because you are the glue that holds the world together

Happy International Women’s Day!

*Hon(Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN*
*COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION OYO STATE*