Prominent feminist and activist Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi has emphasized the necessity of collective action in achieving social change, particularly in the fight for gender equality. Speaking at the third edition of the Innocent Chukwuma Legacy Lecture, she stressed that true progress cannot be achieved without the active participation of women in decision-making processes.
According to Adeleye-Fayemi, “Innocent believed that social change is not possible without collective struggles and action. Women must play a central role in this struggle. They cannot be on the margins, and they cannot be silenced.”
“We are not here to simply celebrate; we are here to organize and effect change,” Adeleye-Fayemi stated.
She called for mentorship programs for both young men and women, urging male role models to guide young boys toward becoming responsible and equitable members of society.
Defining feminism and advocacy for gender equality
Adeleye-Fayemi outlined her vision of feminism, describing it as a movement that challenges patriarchal norms and empowers both men and women.
“Feminism should not just be a tool for sterile debates or a platform for misogyny. It should bring real change to the lives of women and girls,” she said. She called for increased accountability in enforcing gender equality policies and urged stakeholders to push for the political will necessary for change.
She also emphasized the need for a shift in parenting practices. “We must bring up our boys differently to minimize their sense of entitlement over women’s labor, bodies, and leadership spaces,” she said, adding that barriers to education, such as gender-based bullying and period poverty, must be addressed to create equal opportunities for girls.
The event, held in honor of the late activist Innocent Chukwuma, gathered human rights advocates, scholars, and policymakers to discuss strategies for sustaining his legacy of activism and justice. Chukwuma, a renowned advocate for police reform and gender equality, was remembered for his unwavering commitment to social justice.
Remembering Innocent Chukwuma’s legacy
Mrs. Josephine Effah Chukwuma, Executive Chair of ICCEF and widow of Innocent Chukwuma, described her late husband as a man who left an indelible mark on many lives. “Legacy is not what you leave for people, but what you leave in people. Innocent’s impact extended beyond his family. His work touched the lives of countless individuals who crossed paths with him, even briefly.”
Reinforcing the idea that social issues must be addressed collectively rather than individually, Professor Abubakar Muazu, Chair of the Board of CLEEN Foundation, stated, “We cannot treat these problems as personal struggles. They require collective responsibility and action.”
He emphasized the need for competence, capacity, and character in leadership, warning that without these qualities, progress would be unattainable. “When we encounter challenges, we must recognize their societal connections and address them with a collective mindset,” he added.
Speakers at the event urged attendees to reflect on Chukwuma’s legacy and commit to actions that would advance justice and equality.
The lecture concluded with a call for continued advocacy and policy reforms to dismantle structures of oppression and create a more inclusive society. Participants agreed that Chukwuma’s legacy of activism, integrity, and love must guide future efforts toward achieving justice for all.
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