In Nigeria, effort to give women a better deal has always been on the front burner.
Generally, the Nigerian woman is untiringly industrious and strives as hard as the man.
Sadly, she is rarely acknowledged as a significant contributor to society’s sustenance.
It has, therefore, become essential to give much thought and attention to
the state of women in the country, especially considering the present
socio- economic realities.
Statistics from the last national population census, she said, estimated
that of the over 31 million rural women in the country, about 16million live
below the nationally defined poverty line, lacking access to basic
education, decent nutrition, adequate health, and social security.
Also, the UNDP Human Development Report attested to the fact the galloping
increase in rural poverty is hitting women hard, as 60 percent of the rural
women are poor.
Most women were also said to lack collateral to offer to financial
institutions, in order to receive credits and other vital resources.
In fact, the report added that in Nigeria , about 30 percent of the women
receive less than one percent of the total credit given out annually.
In Nigeria, women population is presently put at about 55million, which is
significant, considering the total population of about 180million.
Against this background, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, recently opined that apart from their numerical strength,
women have great potential necessary to evolve a new economic order, to
accelerate social and political development, as well as transform the
society into a better one.
Oba Adeyemi made the observation while addressing a female governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Mrs Aminat Bolanle Sarumi Alliu, and
her entourage who paid him a courtesy visit in his ancient Oyo palace.
The visitors were led by the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson.
According to the monarch, ‘’today, the number of women in top jobs in the
country is still nearly insignificant. it is logical to say that sex does
not put limit to the person’s ability, as it is the society that assigns
gender roles. A woman could attain the same academic level as a man, and as
such, assume any leadership position like their counterpart. Woman is not
afforded the same opportunity like men in various endeavours of life.
Family preference for the development of boys over the girls results in
families with insufficient resources neglecting the girl-child in
educational pursuit’’.
He went further,’’the girl-child is denied education because she is
considered as a poor investment of the future, since she is destined to
marry outside to a different family. Whereas when the boy attends school,
the girls are left at home to assist the mother with household work,
nurture younger siblings, or sent out to hawk to generate income for the
family. This is to ills of the society, that I and you should eradicate by
enlightening the populace on the need to educate the girl-child”.
He lamented that men form and lead most political parties, and take up
key position restricting women to the most obvious slot “women wings”.
Another dimension to the problem, according to him, is that most women
would not support a female aspirant, creating a situation that does not
allow women’s interest to be adequately represented in decision-making.
Alaafin posited that cultural and religions attitudes which endorse male
superiority over the women is the primary basis for gender-based violence
against females.
“The male child grows up with the same perception on being superior to
a female child, and this is transferred consciously or unconsciously to his
own children. Most cultural elements contribute to the degrading status of
women. Women carry negative image of themselves deep inside them, which
often develops when they were growing up, and made to feel worthless,
weaker and inferior to boys. For instance, when there is a need to choose a
leader in a group of say six women and one or two men, a man is picked, no
matter his level’’.
‘’This shows that women look at themselves as being inferior to men. This
is to challenge any woman experiences from childhood; she is indoctrinated
and gives so much restriction, which she tends to live with, women fear
they may just embarrass themselves if given public positions. They also
fear what society will think of them, in case of failure”.
The paramount ruler therefore urged both the Federal and State Governments
to intensify efforts in ensuring that the right of every woman,
irrespective of sex, tribe and religious affiliations is not in any way
trampled upon.
Extolling the virtue of Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson, Oba Adeyemi described her
as ‘’ as a courageous, resilient and passionate woman of substance, whose
dynamism and outspokenness remain source of inspiration to male
counterparts and future generation’’.
Earlier, the guber aspirant, Bolanle, said her desire to vie for the number
one seat in the state was as a result of lack of passion for women, coupled
with in-availability of various empowerments and assistances to their
socio-economic status by the authorities concerned.
She assured women that if voted into power in 2019, she would embark on
any activity that can improve their economic power, by encouraging and
supporting them to develop high-esteem and more confidence in themselves,
through exhibiting their God given potentials for good.
‘’Consequently, my government would continue to provide enabling
environment for women, as well as intensifies awareness campaigns among the
rural dwellers for meaningful participation in the development process.
This will go a long way in ensuring a bright and stable future”, the aspirant pledged.