By Israel Joel
Senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly Prof. Dame Nora Daduut has stressed that the socio-economic independence of the woman is paramount and they deserved to be empowered more.
Senator Daduut made this known while delivering a paper titled Challenges to Gender Inequality and Women Rights at a one-day symposium at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary And Research Institute Vom Plateau state yesterday.
In her words “the woman engages in the acquisition of skills, farm work and small businesses to beef her income.”
” She does not have access to the provision of capital and loans, like her male counterpart. Women’s rights to inherit properties on an equal basis with men are not acceptable in most cultures in Africa. She suffers the economic crunch more because she sacrifices all in order to care for her children. Studies show that it will take up to a century to close the global pay gap.”
On education, Daduut said this is the most powerful tool for the advancement of any nation and a strong weapon to fight poverty. In this area the woman is not often given equal access to acquire western education like her male counterpart. Even when she acquires the knowledge, she does not have the same opportunities as the man to contribute to the advancement of society. In Nigeria for example, due to certain cultural and religious practices, marriage and motherhood are given priority in the life of the woman.
The woman must marry, procreate and take care of the children, such that her education is not considered a necessity. This is a big challenge to women’s rights to education yet if she is given the same or equal opportunities, she can excel.
Sen. Daduut seeks more women participation in Politics
She also added that “Poor health facilities especially in developing countries have more effect on the women and the children. Lack portable water causes health challenges which affect women and Children. women and children are more vulnerable to health challenges, especially in this world of Covid19 pandemic. In times of war and other crisis, the woman and children are the most affected. According to United Nations (UN) about 70% of women work in health sectors, but with lower pay than their male counterpart.
On Agriculture, the Senator stressed that about 60% of food crops in Nigeria is produced by the rural communities with women as the backbone of the subsistence farming.” Their contribution and hard labour is not often recognized because the cultural and traditional practices regard the men as their leaders and the credit goes to the men.
