Lagos:Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, wife of the former Governor of Ekiti State, has criticized societal expectations that pressure women to prioritize traditional domestic roles over their professional and personal development.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Fayemi voiced her concerns during the 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2026) in Lagos. The event, themed ‘A Decade of Voices and Impact,’ gathered speakers to celebrate ten years of advocacy for women’s rights by Women FM and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation.
Fayemi referred to the concept of the ‘one-hour woman,’ criticizing the notion that women should use their lunch breaks to rush home to cook. This expectation, she noted, was highlighted in a viral social media post by a female religious speaker. Fayemi argued that such pressures undermine efforts to raise girls with confidence and ambition, emphasizing that women should be free to use their breaks for personal development or networking rather than domestic chores.
She advocated for raising boys to be responsible partners who understand mutual respect, and urged women’s empowerment programs to avoid platforms that reinforce harmful gender expectations. Fayemi implored women to reject the belief that their worth is tied to domestic duties, declaring that the ‘army of one-hour women’ would not be marching anytime soon.
Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, the keynote speaker, encouraged women to transition from raising concerns to driving practical solutions and building stronger networks. Reflecting on Women FM’s first decade, Alakija called for the next ten years to be marked by transformative actions driven by women’s voices.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, acknowledged the progress made by women but emphasized the need for continued efforts in economic opportunities, healthcare, and leadership. She called on women to mentor and support each other, underscoring the importance of collaborative progress.
Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives, advocated for the passage of a reserved-seat bill for women in the National Assembly, stressing that women’s empowerment is crucial for national development. She highlighted the need for gender inclusion in governance and urged women to support the bill’s passage.
Dr. Amina Salihu of the MacArthur Foundation encouraged women to build supportive alliances, advising them to ‘call in a sister rather than calling out a sister.’ The conference also saw the presentation of awards to individuals for their contributions to advancing women’s voices, empowerment, and health.