No doubt, the role of women in nation building cannot be over-emphasized. Over the years, women have been relegated to the background on issues of development, especially in developing countries, such as Nigeria. The reason may have been that the views of women are always sentimental. But women have contributed positively to the progress of humanity.
Actually, women have been playing leading role in shaping the nation and this dates back to the pre-colonial era. In the history, we have read about women, who played active part in the administrative system and businesses. During the pre-colonial era, women were allowed to participate in the administration of various communities. Not only did they shape the political system of the period, they also acted as mediators in inter-ethnic rivalry.
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, the role of Aba women in the famous Aba Women Riot due to taxation, still lingers in the minds of many.
Women made impacts in pre-independence era and surmounted so many obstacles and limitations but their exploits still stand as a legacy up till today.
Gladly, the coming of General Ibrahim Babangida administration brought the role of 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, the former Minister of Finance and now Director-General of World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba; former Minister of Information, the late Professor Dora Akunyili, who also performed creditably as the Director-General of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
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.
But today, millions of men and women around the world support the call for gender equality although there is much to be done, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.
It is apparent 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 a role to play in nation building. The former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, realizing the potential of women said: “When we empower women, we empower communities, nations and entire human family”.
No doubt, the impact of political involvement of women has left a patch in path; therefore, it can be asserted that women are not only loaded with valuable potential, but also have the legal right to contribute to the development of their societies.
Any government worth its salt should adequately provide for the position of women in its administration and make amendment to policies that have placed them at the losing end.
So, as Christian Women in the Anglican Church celebrate the 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. Government at different levels should equally use the opportunity to make some pronouncements that will uplift the women folk the more. Happy Mothers’ Sunday!
WRITTEN BY MRS. CHINYERE EZEOFOR
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