WRITTEN BY MRS. CHINYERE EZEOFOR

No doubt, the role of women in nation building cannot be over-emphasized. However, over the years, women have been relegated to the background on issues of development, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria.

No doubt, women have contributed immensely to the progress of humanity. Women have been playing leading role in shaping the nation and this dates back to the pre-colonial era. In that era, women were allowed to participate in the administration of various communities.

The advent of colonialism, unfortunately, made women to disengage in political participation in Nigeria. In this era, women’s role was limited to trading and other social activities, leaving out politics for the men. However, we cannot easily forget the participation of late Mrs. Margaret Ekpo and Mrs. Janet Mokelu, among others, in politics, who were members of the defunct Eastern House of Assembly.

The role of women in the famous Aba Women Riot due to taxation still lingers in minds of many. Also, the role of Amina is well known in the North, where she is still adored as the queen of women development. Women made impacts in pre-independence era and surmounted so many obstacles and limitations. Their exploits still stand as legacy till today.

It should be noted that the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida brought women in the country’s politics to the front burner. The office of the first lady was first institutionalized by Maryann Babangida of the Blessed memory. Since then, it has come to stay.

Other women, who have made impact in the country’s politics include, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former Minister of Finance; Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, late Professor Dora Akunyili, former Minister for Information, also performed creditably when she was the Director-General of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among many others.

It is gratifying to know that recently, women have become actively involved in the country’s politics unlike before. Nevertheless, they are still faced with some challenges.

Internationally, former Liberian President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has made history as Africa’s first female president. We also have the likes of Mrs. Hilary Clinton of the United States. Her political wizardry has astounded many in the World’s political arena.

Sadly, only two countries allowed women to vote a couple of decades back. But today, that right is virtually universal. Millions of men and women around the world now support the call for gender equality, although there is much to be done, especially in developing countries.

It must be understood, though, that no appreciable development can be made, either at the local, national or international platform without recognizing women as key players. The nation must empower, up-skill and invest in girl-child for a better society.

Women have roles to play in nation building. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, realizing the potentials of women said: “When we empower women, we empower communities, nations and entire human family”. So, any government worth its salt anywhere around the world should provide for the position of women in its administration.

So, as Christian Women across the globe celebrate Mothers’ Sunday today, it is expected that the event will be used as a veritable frame-work, to recognize the role of women in the society. Governments at different levels should equally use the opportunity to make some pronouncements that will uplift the women folk the more. Happy Mothers’ Sunday!