A Seminar On : Gender Issues and National
Development
As Presented by
ODEKA OSASERE OGHENETEGA
Department:
Mass Communication Department
Level:
HND 2(Broadcast Option)
April 2013
Abstract
Gender issues in education and by extension National
development has taken center stage in academic discourse in recent times. This
paper seeks to address women participation in education, women empowerment,
feminism, sexual abuse/violence, women affairs commission and gender
inequality. This paper Gender Issues and National development, believes that
these relative gender issues are consequential in Nigeria and educationally
disadvantaged states. It further examines and applauds the pivotal role of
women to national development. It further views the position of women in
Nigeria from the stand point of socio economic disadvantages and proposed the
enforcement and repealing of oscillate laws, so as to dismantle all forms of
impediments against the advancement of Nigerian women toward national development. It concludes that the government
in power, political parties and all Nigerian citizens should embrace effective
leadership and adopt fairness in their politics. This paper also recommends
that Nigerians should play their role well in her politics by granting equal
access to both genders.
Keywords: Gender
and National Development
INTRODUCTION
Women
have played the role of breadwinners and decision-makers in many families inthe
event of the demise of the father of the house or inadequate male presence.
Thisabsence which could be brought about by death, sickness, old age or other
forms of physical and mental incapacitation have thrust women in the centre
stage for theperformance of functions far removed from their traditional
responsibility of housekeeping.
Fasugba
(2000) argued that many women today are engaged in activities andjobs hitherto
regarded as the exclusive reserve of men. He further states that sincewomen
have become conscious of their rights, they have continued to slug it out
withmen in all areas of human endeavors.
In
Nigeria today, the women folk have come a long way. In business, politics,
education, sports and the professions. Women have made an indelible mark in
theireffort to conquer the limitations of the past that have sought to place
thempermanently in the kitchen and bedroom.Be the above as it may, it is not
all through a bed of roses for women and theirempowerment. The above
illustration is just about the infinitesimal few number ofwomen who have been
able to excel in their endeavors through their own distinct of hardwork. The
majority of women in Africa, Asia, and even Europe and America have notbeen
fully mobilized and empowered to contribute to national development. If it had been
so, we would not have been talking about good health for women, educational, economic,
social, cultural and political empowerment of women. And in all its ramifications,
women would not have been segregated and discriminated against somuch so that
they are sexually tortured and harassed in their seeking for employment, contracts,
and political positions and in other endeavors.
In
as much as this paper will present a review on the dehumanizing and traumatizing
conditions of women, it will go further to take a detailed and critical lookat
the major indices of women participation in national development, vis-à-vis
political, economic and educational considerations. How far has the Nigerian
woman achieved self-actualization in the above areas? What are the major
handicaps and challenges ofwomen, and what more could be done to secure a
better leverage for Nigerian women if they are to participate effectively,
fully and more meaningfully in the development ofthe Nigerian nation in this
21st century?
Women and
National Development: An Overview
The position of women in Africa has been seen from the perspective of a second-
class citizen to men. They are viewed as those who look after their
homes, bear and rear children for the men. According to William (1990:134),
women are preoccupied with looking after the homes, men and children.
In his view, Read
(1996:19) wrote that female is female human being, mistress and servant who do
the domestic chores (cleaning and cooking).
The economic condition
of women had been documented by Aderemi(1997:211); he stated that women wield
substantial economic power integration into the macro and micro economy. He
further stressed that women control the bulk of local and long distance trade,
dominate the food processing and cottage industries, and participate actively
in agriculture and health care.
It has been stressed
that women are homemaker and are known to be able to cope with jobs that are
respective in nature such as agriculture, cooking and other skilled vocation
occupations.
The theoretical and empirical position about women
points to the fact that for any function and sustainable plan of action for
national development, it should be focused on the women populace.
Women: Nature
and Conditions
God creates women, described as the feminine gender
for procreationand continuity. Unfortunately, they have been dehumanized and
traumatized in somany ways. Of the 1.3 billion people who live in abject
poverty around the globe, 70percent are women. For these women, poverty doesn’t
just mean scarcity and want. Itmeans rights denied, opportunities curtailed and
voices silenced.
According
to Unagha (2006) poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is
being sick and not beingable to see a doctor. Poverty is not being able to go
to school and know how to read and write. Poverty is not having a job, is fear
for the future, living for just one day at a time.Poverty is losing a child to
illness brought about by unclean water. Poverty is powerlessness, lack of
representation and freedom. All these are majorly encountered andfaced by
women.Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours, according to the
United Nations Millennium Campaign (Unagba 2006) to halve world poverty by the
year2015. The overwhelming majority of the labour that sustain life-growing
food, cooking,raising children, caring for the elderly, maintaining a house,
hauling water – is done bywomen, and universally this work is accorded low
status and no pay. The ceaseless cycle of labour rarely shows up in economic
analysis of a society’s production andvalue.Women earn only 10 percent of the
world’s income. Where women work for money, they may be limited to a set of
jobs deemed suitable for women-invariably lowpay, low status positions.Women
own less than 1 percent of the world’s property. Where laws andcustoms prevent
women from owning land or other productive assets, from gettingloans or credit
or from having the right to inheritance or to own their home, they haveno
assets leverage for economic stability and cannot invest in their own or
theirchildren’s future.
Women
make up two-thirds of the estimated 876 million adults worldwidewho cannot read
or write, and girls make up 60 percent of the 77 million children notattending
primary school. Education is among the most important drivers of humandevelopment;
women who are educated have fewer children than those who are deniedschooling.
They delay their first pregnancies, have healthier children. Each
additionalyear of schooling a woman has is associated with a 5-10 percent
decline in child deaths, according to the United Nations Population Fund
(2010), and are far more likely tosend their own children to school.
Yet
where women do not have the discretionary income to invest in their ownor their
children’s education, where girls’ education is considered frivolous, and
wheregirls are relied on to contribute labour to the household, they miss this
unparalleledopportunity to develop their minds and spirits. Their countries
suffer too.
In
many societies around the world, women never belong wholly tothemselves; they
are the property of others through out their life. Their physical
wellbeing-health, security and bodily integrity- is often beyond their own
control. Wherewomen have no control over money, they cannot choose to get
health care forthemselves or their children. Where having a large number of
children confers status on both men and women – indeed where child bearing may
be the only marker of valueavailable to women frequent pregnancy and labour can
be deadly.
World
Health Organization (2008) data indicate that in Afghanistan and SierraLeone
women’s lifetime chance of dying in child birth is one in seven, while in
theUnited States it is one in 3,418 and in Norway and Switzerland, one in
7,300. In anygiven year, 15 percent of all pregnant women will face a
life-threatening complication,and more than 500,000-99 percent of them in the
developing world will die. Some 130
Empowerment
of Nigerian Women towards National Development
Million
girls and women, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa have been subjected to
genitalcutting or mutilation at the behest of their parents, and 2 million more
face the bladeevery year, according to the United Nations Population Fund
(2010).Around the globe, home and community are not safe havens for a billion
girlsand women. At least one in three females on earth has been physically
assaulted orsexually abused, often repeatedly and often by a relative or
acquaintance.
In
the words of Otiteh (2004), violence against women and girls rivals cancer as a
cause of morbidity be able to negotiate when and what type of sex to have, nor
to protest their husbands’multiple sex partners. Poverty and exclusion push
some girls and women to engage insex work, almost always the desperate, last
choice of people without other choices.
Political Awareness
and Participation
Though
it has been observed that Nigerian women have made someappreciable impact in
their contributions to the development of the Nigerian nation. It is indeed
necessary to have presented how these women have been dehumanized andtraumatized.
This is imperative because this writer does not want to create anyimpression
that it has been a bed of roses for Nigerian women and indeed other womenin
South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The
active participation of a large number of women in the political fora is strangely
a new phenomenon. Although in the past, Nigeria has seen amazons like Margareth
Ekpo, Fumilayo Ransome Kuti, Madam Tinubu of Lagos and a handful ofother
activist, women have often been relegated to the background in national
politics.
This
situation however seem to be changing as women are now making serious
andappreciable impact in the political life of the country, especially since
the 2005 Berlin conference and women affirmative position (Aweh, 2006).
Emezi
(1998) held the view that women have not featured meaningfully inNigeria’s
political life. He opines that “… looking back at the political development
ofthis country an independent observer will conclude that women have
contributed nextto nothing in this very important aspect of human life.” He feels
that the role of womenin political matters is as minimal as it is in many other
fields.
The
lateness of Nigerian women into Nigerian political arena has been blamedon the
deliberate colonial policy of undermining the political zeal of the
Nigerianwoman (Coleman, 2007). He argued that the effort of women were
violently disruptedby the colonial experience. Women seemed to be the most hard
hit, for with their Western pre-conception of female inferiority the colonial
administrators tended torelegate women to the background of irrelevance in the
scheme of governance.
It
is instructive to note at this point that in the last forty to fifty years,
Nigerian women have created a noticeable impact in the political life of the
nation. In thetraditional African society, several factors combined to relegate
women to the second fiddle role and participation in national affairs. Such
factors include culturalplacements, religious belief systems and traditional
prejudices. Despite these serious handicaps or impediments which are actively
exploited by the men folk, Nigerian women have been seen to break even, such
that today they have become a force toreckon with in the developmental
processes of the nation.
Agoawike
(2000) believed that the fourth Republic has been a period of re-awakeningfor
Nigerian women both in terms of elected offices and political appointments. She
expressed her feelings; “it might not be an exaggeration to say that the fourth
Republichas been the best outing in political participation for Nigerian
women.”
During
the civilian government of Obasanjo, women seemed to be adequately accommodated
and placed in areas of intense visibility as they held important andprominent
positions. Women headed the Ministries of Aviation and Transport.The Ministers
of State for Science and Technology and the sensitive Ministry ofdefense were
also women. These women were able to prove that they possess thequality,
talents and character traits required not only for the growth of the nation but
forthe enhancement of the progress and well-being of the human society in
general.
Today,
many women occupy elective and appointive positions. For example, in the
appoint of Commissioners and advisers made by Governor T. A. Orji of Abia State
and sworn inon Wednesday, 3rd August 2011, over 35 percent of the appointees
are women.Women are indeed making their mark in the political affairs of the
Nigerian nation(Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State 6’oclock news bulletin of
3-8-2011).
Business and
Economy
Perhaps,
the most eloquent statement for the pivotal role women have playedand are still
playing in the 50 years of Nigeria’s independence is the appointment
ofNdiiOkerekeOnyiuke as managing Director of the Nigeria Stock Exchange. Not
onlyis she the first Nigerian woman to tower above thousands of well qualified
men toclinch this most powerful positions in Nigeria’s economic and financial
establishment; she is an embodiment of the traditional doggedness and fierce
determination of theNigerian woman not to be swept aside most especially in the
affairs of the nation(Fasugba, 2000).
The
above statement, though flamboyant and glamorous is an eloquent testimony to
the pivotal role the feminine gender is now playing in the development ofthe
Nigerian economy. It is indeed a remarkable feat for a woman to preside “at
thesecond largest and most dynamic stock exchange in Africa”. (Agoawike, 2000).
Onyiuke
is not alone in her role as a major actor in the economic live wire of
thenation. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwala was the Minister of Finance who worked
tirelessly toget a reprieve for Nigeria’s debt during the Obasanjor civilian
regime. Today she hasbeen reappointed the same minister of finance by the
Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Also, Olitayin Olakunrin was once the
president of ICAN-Institute of chartered Accountants of Nigeria for a number of
years. Prisca Soares once held the head of the National Insurance Corporation
of Nigerian (NICON), the biggest insurance conglomerate. Bola Kuforigi Olubimi
and Maria Sokenu once held highprofile positions as managing directors of UBA
and People Bank respectively. Do wehave to forget the contributions of Prof
Dora Akunyili and Mrs Oby Ezekwesili and a whole lot of others.
Njoku
(2006) strongly felt that Nigeria today could boast of “a rich history ofwomen
achievers”. This writer posits that right from the pre-colonial times,
Nigerianwomen have battled their way to recognition in Nigeria. They have been
able to work a very tight rope in a society that is still very traditional and
create a balance between thetraditional role of women in an African society and
gaining empowerment to wield influence rather than subordinate to the role of
their male counterparts. Women have made significant contributions in terms of
manpower resources and general economicreturns at various levels to the
economic development of the nation. In fact, Nigerian women have shown remarkable
zeal and shrewdness in the economic development of the nation.
Education
From
the period of the early 5th century B.C. philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle,
Plato and others, education has been accepted as a major instrument ofchange and
development in the society.
Njoku
(2006) held the view that women, as a result of their educational background
are now in the best position to make the home more comfortable for their
husbands and children. Aside from being sympathetic and loving wives, most
educated women are more often the breadwinners of their families in cases where
the husbands in one way or the other cannot assist the family.Women have since
independence attained Olympian heights in the administrative hierarchy and
academic institutions of the country. Dr Phillipa Idogho is at the head on Nigeria’s
distinguished polytechnic. Grace Alele Williams (Prof) blazed the trail as the
first Nigerian woman to occupy the office of Vice Chancellor in a Nigerian
University (University of Benin). Jadesola Akande and Laraba Abdulahi also
attained the same status in university administration. Bolanle Awe was the
director of the Institute of African Studies for many years.
In
Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, women have risen to top
positions as professors, deputy vice chancellors, deans, directors, heads of
department, and rectorsand provosts of polytechnics and colleges of Education
Professor Stella Ogbuagu whohas worked as a consultant on demography at the UN
was sometimes the Deputy ViceChancellor of Abia State University, Uturu. A
couple of decades ago, the journalism profession was seen largely as the exclusive
reserve for men.
Today,
the story has tremendously changed as women havemade substantial in-road into
the top echelon of the profession. Doyin Abiola, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, now a
member of the House of Representatives and the Late May Ellen, Ezikiel (later
May Ellen RMD), Mrs Remi Oyo, and a host of others in the TV andradio
broadcasting media are in there in the list as women journalists who have
excelled(Agoawike, 2000).
There
is indeed no gain saying the fact that women in all its ramifications have tremendously
contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria in all areas theyfound
themselves.
Challenges to
Nigerian Women in Contributing Effectively to National
Development
In
spite of the seemingly remarkable achievements recorded so far, Nigerianwomen
remain severely constrained in their efforts to play a major and decisive role
inthe socio-political and economic development of the nation.
Tombere
(2004) blamed the colonial authorities for setting a dangerous stageand
precedence for the weakening of the influence and role of women through what
hasbeen described as the “abrogation of the social stability” which the
Nigerian societyhad enjoyed before the coming and intrusion of the British
colonialists. The result ofthis dislocation was the relegation of the role and
functions of women to the background in the Nigerian society, particularly in
the areas of leadership and political responsibility.
Most
traditional societies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia see the role of women as
fundamentally revolving around child rearing and general domestic care of the
family. With the duties of women so rigidly defined, they assume their duties
ofcooking, washing and childbearing and then see themselves even in their
marital homesas a figure to be seen and not to be heard (Fasuba, 2000). This
situation creates aculture of male supremacy, superiority and dominance with
little consideration given to the thoughts and feelings of women in the larger
scheme of things.
Women
in Nigeria like in other developing countries of the world suffer from undue
discrimination, marginalization, and exploitation by the menfolk through
theimplementation of their culture of religious and traditional beliefs, which
placed men assuper human beings. Globally, the access of women to finance and
capital is sominimal that women are generally disadvantaged in terms of
economic stability and independence.
Research
and studies have shown that despite the enormous amount ofworkwomen do, they
control less than ten percent of the world’s resources.Another worthy to note
challenge raised by Yomi (2007) is what he describedas the “paternal system of
descent” in which generations are identified through maleoffspring’s. The
responsibility for the preservation and continuity of the family tree restson
the male children and special recognition are accorded them in the preparation
for their adult roles.
The
female children on the other hand, are seen as commodities thatwould sooner or
later be sold off to distant homes in distant lands. This explains whythe birth
of a male child is an occasion for celebration and joy than the birth of
females. Women on their part do not often see themselves as viable instruments
ofpolitical participation and growth. The complacency of women in several
aspects of national life not only reduces their capacity for maneuver in a male
dominated societybut also helps in perpetuating the culture of reducing women
to positions and roles of second fiddle.
In
business, women do not often involve themselves in high profile ventures.They
prefer instead to engage in petty trading where the gains and losses are
articulatedat the end of each day. Uchendu (1993) believed that women see
politics as a dirtygame, a business which involves huggers, intimidation,
rigging, assassination, kidnapping of opponents and all sorts of electoral
violence which are brought into playin order to gain an undue advantage over
opponents. Women being the weaker sex donot always have the strength and
courage required to cope with the rigors of politics ina developing country
like Nigeria.
Conclusion
It is the
contention of this paper that the implementation of theserecommendations should
not be done in isolation of the other. Rather they should besystematically and
holistically taken. Once this is achieved, the empowerment ofNigerian women and
the contributions to national development would be a foregoneConclusion.
Recommendations
Empowering
Nigerian women towards national development should be amatter of national top priority
that demands the attention and genuine commitment ofevery responsible member of
the society. It is along this line that the paper feelsinclined to put across
some useful suggestions and recommendations which could bebrought into play for
the realization of the noble goals of women’s contributions tonational
development. There should be new ground for Nigerian women to rekindle their
hope and faith in the ability of the systemto provide for its people
irrespective of sex, age, ability, religious inclination and other mundane
considerations.
The
Nigerian nation owes the women folk the responsibility of removing
thoseartificial and institutional barriers based on religion, culture or
traditionalconsiderations which have incapacitated the ability of Nigerian
women to participate effectively and freely in national affairs particularly at
the political and economic levels.
Every
Nigerian child, including the girl child is entitled to good education, employment,
social and health services, and protection from abuse and exposure to
thevicissitudes of life. These are the rights of the Nigerian child and should
not be seen asa privilege. Suffice it to say therefore that the Universal Basic
Education recentlyintroduced by the Federal Government should be given all the
encouragement andsupport it needs to succeed.
Even though recommendation had been made in the past aimed at improving
the girl-child education, not much had been done to enforce the recommendation,
policies and programs. Nevertheless, the following approaches may further
amplify the need for female education for sustainable national development:
1-
Government
should put in place the necessary legal instrumentendorsed by the legislative
arm of government to prohibit and persecute those that encourage gender bias to
the girl-child.
2-
Government
should launch massive and aggressive functional adult literacy education in all
states and local government council in Nigeria.
3-
Religious
leaders and organizations should preach the need for formal education as a
necessary tool for advancing spiritual fulfillment
4-
Scholarship
and bursary should be given to female to encourage them to progress in their
educational pursuit.
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