Women Empowerment: A Panacea for Nigeria's Development

 

By: Ibrahim Ishaq Yakubu

Women have been the ones doing a significant amount of work behind the scenes, often without receiving due credit. They are the epitome of wealth and power, playing crucial roles in both society and their families' daily activities. Simultaneously, they fulfill various roles such as mother, wife, homemaker, cook, teacher, friend, and nurse, catering to the needs of everyone around them.

Women empowerment is an essential economic process aimed at reducing poverty by empowering Nigerian women. It involves the development of women in terms of education, politics, and economic strength, contributing to the overall development of the nation.

Unfortunately, in today's contemporary world, women in Nigeria are undervalued in terms of employment opportunities. They are often mistreated and not given a fair chance to compete. Many societies subject women to torture by their life partners and burden them with most household responsibilities. In some cases, women work hard to provide for their families, only to have their earnings taken away by the husband, who then spends it frivolously. Additionally, it is common to see women hawking on the streets just to make a living. These women should be recognized as individuals in need of support.

Moreover, Nigerian women play vital roles in nation building. Figures like Ladi Kwali, a renowned Nigerian potter, ceramicist, and educator who has received numerous national and international awards; Christy Essen Igbokwe, a singer who addresses societal issues, particularly gender-based problems, through her songs and also became the first woman to serve as the president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN); and Chief Alimoutu, the leader of the Lagos Market Women Association, who brought together market women and encouraged them to exercise their rights, are all examples of women with different creative skills that contribute to shaping Nigeria's female ideologies. These women should be supported in all aspects, considering the changing world and circumstances.

To address these challenges and promote nation building, the government should provide multiple poverty alleviation programs, and non-governmental organizations should employ individuals with skills and knowledge to develop underprivileged communities. The National Orientation Agency should also organize symposiums, forums, workshops, seminars, and engage traditional institutions in continuous dialogue to address these issues for both parties.

Lastly, women are the backbone of society and should be given utmost priority, as they play a significant role in raising and guiding the next generation.

Ibrahim Ishaq Yakubu writes from Bauchi, Nigeria.