RECONSTRUCTURING WOMANHOOD IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA

Introduction

Over the past two decades, questions related to the recognition of women's roles in economic and social development, and of equality between men and women have fostered increasing interest among policy- makers and development practitioners. Despite a noticeable improvement in gender awareness worldwide, data on women's work and economic contribution have remained far from the prospects and the international goal. Even where information is available, it is not sufficiently utilized as a tool by planners and decision-makers. This is particularly evident with regard to the role of women in agricultural and rural development.

Women in Traditional African Society

In most African traditional societies, experience shows that women have been abused, marginalized, discriminated against and denied their rights in most spheres of human endeavor. The situation is worst for the rural women who have low literacy level and, consequently, have become mere tools in the hands of their husbands (Ebirim,2004). The results from time and task allocation studies show that women work more hours than men in productive activities. At the same time, women's labor in the informal sector, both rural and urban, remains high but largely unrecognized, and no account is taken of their labor in the household. With regard to women's multiple roles as farmers, household and community managers, traders, and family caretakers, they are increasingly confronted with work overload and fatigue (Saito et ai,1994).

In sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is still the most important sector for women, accounting for 75%, although recent research has suggested that the female labor force in the agricultural sector is often substantially underestimated. Women have, indeed, contributed a lot to the development of the nation but have been, until now, subjugated and oppressed. This is the scenario of women in Africa. They are perceived more as household property than cooperators or partners in development efforts (Ebirirn, 2004). Women comprise the majority of the population below the poverty line and have very often found themselves in situations of extreme poverty.

In most rural communities in Nigeria, inhuman traditional practices are meted out to widows at the death of their husbands. For instance, in traditional African societies, especially the rural areas, women are deemed to be responsible for the death of their husbands. The woman, if suspected, is forced to drink the water used in bathing her husband's corpse. If she survives from drinking the water, she is declared innocent. Never in the history has any man been subjected to such dehumanizing and agonizing treatment. Unfortunately, most women now resign themselves to the culture of silence as a result of ignorance of what constitutes their rights in the family and the society at large. These abuses have thrived basically because of the dependency of the rural women on their husbands for virtually everything; food, clothing, shelter and life-sustenance.

In a study on women in Ayamgba community in Dekina LGA of Kogi State, Momoh Uman and Mohammed (2002) observed that the women have been relegated to the background as they 'are regarded as second - class citizens. Majority of them are poorly nourished, lack adequate health care and social security, they are even marginalized in decision-making. Their contributions to national development especially in the field of agriculture are not appreciated. They are predominantly illiterates.

The Contemporary Nigerian Women

In the contemporary women discourse, education and empowerment are seen as keys to female liberation. Such empowerment should be all-round, and encompass finance, agriculture, health and access to basic amenities, education, commerce and profitable trade. This is to be in line with the fourth objective of the Second National Development Plan (1970-1974) which is to build a nation that has big and full opportunities for all citizens. The term empowerment came into popularity with the feminist movement whose major demand was for women to become empowered to take control of their own lives, especially the things that affect them.

It is worthy to note that contemporary Nigerian women are mostly the second wave feminism which stresses the emancipation of women through educational and economic empowerments. More so, in contemporary Nigeria we have women at the fore front trade and investments. It is worthy to note that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweale (GCON) is the first African leader of the World Trade Organization. This is Nigerian woman who has made impact in both national and the global economy. In the literary scene, the multiple award-winning story teller and scholar, Chimamanda Adichie is making waves, engaging the not only Nigeria but the world on very salient issues affecting humanity. In the political scene, contemporary Nigerian women have equally risen from the hitherto back seat, shaken off the shackles, and have participated in the decision-making process of Nigeria. Examples of such females include Stella Oduah Ogiemwony, the former Honorable Minister of Aviation and the current PD senatorial candidate for Anambra North; Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos state; Obiagili Ezekwsili, an economic policy expert was the Minister of Solid Mineral Resources between 2005 and 2006, and later Minister of Education between 2006 and 2007. Other females who have made political impact include Uche Ekwunife, Gbemi Saraki, Oluremi Tinubu, Pauline Tallen, Kema C. chikwe, among others.

 

Conclusion

Womanhood has evolved in the current Nigerian society. Women are no longer patriarchal slaves, they contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Nigeria. Hence, there should be a review of laws inhibiting women from maximizing their potentials; government should give special attention to gender issues as a way of making sure that the Nigerian women truly attain their full potentials. Women should be given the opportunity to be fully involved in the development planning process, right from the grassroots or community to the national levels. This will help them to discuss their immediate and felt needs which would enable the planners to make policies and initiate programs that will positively affect the lives of women. Integrated farming system by the various governments and the private sector could be a way of achieving food security and enhancing the fortune of women. This, if well executed, guarantees a sure way of reaching most women farmers as well as mitigating the problem of rural-urban migration.

NAME: Okwu Edith Chineme  

STATE CODE: OS/22C/3659