The Cosmopolitan Women Club, a prominent assembly of female politicians, entrepreneurs, and professionals, has used the occasion of its 20th anniversary to issue a strong call for gender parity in both public and private sector offices across Nigeria.
A Milestone Celebration with a Purpose
The club marked two decades of impact with a celebration on Lagos Island on 6 December 2025, bringing together members, partners, and well-wishers. The event served not only as a reflection on past achievements but as a platform to advocate for future change and announce significant community development projects.
Chairman of the 20th Anniversary Organising Committee, Olateju Philips, a former commissioner, was a central voice at the ceremony. She made a direct appeal for the passage of the Gender Parity Bill currently before the National Assembly, arguing that dismantling barriers to women's inclusion is critical for national development.
Strategic Advocacy and Women's Capacity
Philips highlighted the multifaceted roles women excel in, from managing homes and communities to leading in public office. She countered lingering doubts about women's readiness for leadership, stating emphatically that women often serve better than men. "Any time, any day, I will recommend another woman who is qualified for what she is expected to do," she affirmed.
While urging patience in a slowly progressing society, Philips advised women to engage strategically rather than confrontationally. "Stand with your shoulders high and ensure that at the end of the day, you get what you want. If you cannot get it for yourself, get it for the next woman," she counseled, emphasizing visibility, consistency, and determination as keys to securing progress for future generations.
Legacy Projects for Lagos Development
Beyond advocacy, the club unveiled concrete plans for legacy projects aimed at improving public welfare in Lagos State. The flagship initiative is the ongoing construction of a Neonatal Ward at the Massey Hospital, a project they describe as crucial for the survival of newborns, the future leaders.
Philips clarified that fundraising for this vital health facility continues and called for sustained support from individuals and partners. "Whatever you can afford at any point, call on the Cosmopolitan Women Club. We will always be available to guide and explain what you may not understand," she stated.
The club's vision extends to public sanitation. They disclosed plans to construct public health toilets across various locations in Lagos, with discussions already initiated with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment. Additionally, plans are underway to provide dustbin carriages to enhance waste management in targeted communities. The club also reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to supporting motherless babies.
Member Dupe Akindele celebrated the event's success and echoed the commitment to the club's humanitarian goals, particularly the adoption of a ward at the new Massey Hospital. She expressed gratitude to sponsors, donors, and award recipients, underscoring the collective effort behind the club's 20-year journey.
