Students of selected public secondary schools showcased exceptional creativity and advocacy as they celebrate the resilience, achievements and enduring legacies of women at the School Storytelling Competition organized by the Rural Women studies Association (RWSA), in collaboration with Gendi Development  Initiative and Initiative for Peace and Comfort,   at Pius De Pius event Center in Abeokuta.

The competition themed, “Unsung Women: Breaking Barriers, Building the Future” provided a platform for students to tell compelling stories of remarkable women whose sacrifices and contributions have often gone unnoticed despite their important impacts on families, communities and national development.

Welcoming participants to the event, the Chairman of RWSA,  Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo explained that the competition was designed to inspire young people to appreciate the invaluable roles women play in shaping the society while encouraging them to challenge the conventional belief about women and promote gender equality through storytelling.  She encouraged participants to be fully involved, tell their stories confidently and appreciated their teachers for good mentoring.

In his goodwill message, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ogun State, Oluwasina Ogungbade, represented by Barr. Kemi Lawal appreciated the organisers and reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to upholding human rights, promoting gender equality, protecting vulnerable populations and supporting educational initiatives that build a more, just and inclusive society.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo represented by the Onijale of Ijale Papa, Oba Micheal Ajibola noted that the event was not merely a competition but a celebration of history, culture and most importantly the extraordinary women whose sacrifices have strengthened families, communities for generation and have quietly labored behind the scene without expecting recognition or reward.

While encouraging the participants to passionately tell their stories with all sincerity, the Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Affairs, Mrs Foluso Obienu represented by Mr Yinka Oyeladun urged participating students to remember that every voice has the power to inspire change saying, “Whether you emerge as the winner or not, your participation contributes to preserving the legacies of women whose stories deserve to be heard and celebrated”

At the end of the competition, out of 6 participating schools, Baptists Girls College, Idi Aba came first with 82.83 points, Reverend Kuti Memorial School, Isabo came second with 78 points while St. Peters College, Olomore came third with 76.6 points.

Other guests at the event include the Vice Chairman Abeokuta South Local Government, Baale of Lebure Town and Grand Patron of Gender Development Initiative, Chief Lashi Oluwaseun among others.