During a book reading session with Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, she noted that “Patriarchy tells so many lies to survive.”
The former First Lady of Ekiti State elaborated that predators won’t tell their prey that they’ve heard, “go to hell” from bold people.
The Centre for Gender and Social Policy Studies (OAU), in conjunction with Above Whispers Foundation/Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, hosted a book reading with Her Excellency on April 15th at ACE Conference Hall, ICT, OAU.
The four books – Where Is Your Wrapper?, Loud Whispers, A Tray of Locust Beans and Demand and Supply focus on social justice, promoting positive change in society, personal development, and feminism.
The PRO of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, introduced the guests, noting the absence of the VC, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, due to academic matters.
The Chairperson of CONUA, Prof. Folashade Hunsu was present alongside Prof. Olubola Babalola (DVC academic), Prof. Adetunji Ojo Ogunyemi, Dr. Oluwabunmi Oyebode, Prof. Lanre Ikuteyijo, and other dignitaries.
Prof Olubola Babalola, Deputy VC academic gave a brief remark based on the works of Her Excellency.
She highlighted major themes of the books, which range from women, girls, and society at large.
Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, who graduated from OAU in 1984, described OAU as her home. She began writing at a young age, encouraged by her father.
Through this act, writing became something she was deeply involved in. Witnessing the situation around her especially the plight of women inspired her to advocate for equal rights.
Her desire to be heard, to bear witness, to teach, and to learn, inspired her to write. She writes as an African feminist to change the narratives around us as Africans.
Her writings portrayed female ancestors as feminists through their significant contribution, which challenged patriarchy in their own way.
During the first-panel session with Omoboriowo Damilola Issac ( President, Great Ife Students Union), Babatimehin Kinfeosi Joy (Secretary General, Great Ife Students Union), Fasan Olumide Rachel, and Titilayo Molara Ayodele ( Student, Obafemi Awolowo University), Erelu shed light on the feminist movement, emphasizing its goal of creating a just world.
Furthermore, there was a brief moment of relaxation after the first-panel session. A poem presentation highlighted the plights of both girl and boy children, followed by a dance performance by Dramatic Arts students, passing a message of unity.
The panel session with professors provided deeper insights into the four books in focus. Dr. Oluwabunmi Oyebode mentioned the notion of voice in space in “Demand And Supply.”
“We don’t look at the body of the victim; we look at the mind of the predator,” Prof. Folashade Hunsu added.
In the second-panel session, Folashade asked rhetorical questions about the notions of abusers and cleared the misconceptions of “outfits” as the sole reason for abuse.
The book reading session was an eye-opener into the ordeals of women, and the plight of girls. Fortunately, copies of the books were distributed for all to digest and learn from.
The event ended with a closing remark from Prof. Opeyemi O. Ekundayo alongside the Great Ife and Nigerian Anthem.
Remember, the grass will certainly become greener when we take bold steps, seek help, speak against abuse and fight for women’s rights in society.