19-05-2025
Nigeria's Women Urged to Embrace Bold Empowerment
Mrs Nana Shettima, spouse of Vice President Kashim Shettima, joined Senator Rochas Okorocha, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and other prominent figures in calling on Nigerian women to assert themselves confidently in all spheres of life. Their appeal came during a gathering focused on advancing women's empowerment, where speakers highlighted the need for greater female participation in politics, business, and social leadership.
The event underscored the critical role women play in national development and urged them to overcome societal barriers that often limit their opportunities. Mrs Shettima emphasised the importance of resilience and determination, encouraging women to seize leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's growth. She pointed out that empowering women is not merely a social obligation but a strategic imperative to harness the full potential of the nation's population.
Senator Okorocha supported this message by stressing that women's empowerment should translate into tangible policy actions and legislative support. He advocated for inclusive governance structures that accommodate and promote women's voices, arguing that diversity strengthens democratic institutions. Deputy Speaker Kalu echoed these sentiments, highlighting that legislative backing for gender equality must be consistent and robust to create lasting change.
These calls come amid ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian women, including limited access to education, economic disparities, and cultural norms that often restrict their roles to traditional settings. Despite improvements over the years, women's representation in government and key industries remains disproportionately low compared to men.
Experts at the event pointed to emerging trends that offer new opportunities for women. The growth of digital technology and social media platforms, for example, provides women with innovative tools to build businesses, influence public opinion, and engage in activism. However, speakers cautioned that access to these technologies must be broadened, especially in rural areas where infrastructure and digital literacy lag behind.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of education as a cornerstone for empowerment. Increasing enrolment rates for girls in schools and expanding vocational training programmes were identified as critical steps toward enabling women to compete on equal footing in the job market. Investment in female education correlates directly with economic development and social progress, creating a multiplier effect for communities and the broader economy.
Legislators and policymakers were urged to strengthen frameworks protecting women's rights and to implement laws aimed at reducing gender-based violence and discrimination. Several proposals were discussed, including incentives for female entrepreneurship, improved maternity benefits, and targeted financial support for women-led initiatives.
The Vice President's wife reiterated that collaboration among government bodies, civil society, and the private sector is essential to accelerate progress. She stressed that societal mindsets must shift to recognise women's capabilities beyond traditional roles, enabling them to contribute at all levels of decision-making. This vision aligns with Nigeria's commitment to international agreements on gender equality and women's rights, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women .
While enthusiasm for women's empowerment is growing, implementation remains uneven across regions and sectors. Rural communities, in particular, face entrenched patriarchal attitudes that hinder women's advancement. Addressing these cultural barriers requires community engagement and awareness campaigns tailored to local contexts.
Economic empowerment was a key theme, with discussions on how to close the gender gap in labour participation and wage equality. Women entrepreneurs were encouraged to access capital and markets through formalised structures that reduce bureaucratic obstacles. The role of microfinance and cooperative societies was also examined as vehicles for scaling women's businesses and improving their financial independence.
The gathering coincided with broader efforts by the Nigerian government to enhance gender equality through national action plans and strategic policies. Recent initiatives include the establishment of dedicated agencies to monitor and promote women's welfare and the integration of gender perspectives into economic and social programmes.
Global partnerships also play a vital role, as Nigeria collaborates with international organisations to implement best practices and mobilise resources. The emphasis on women's empowerment is part of a larger global agenda aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality.
Despite progress, challenges persist in translating policies into measurable outcomes. Institutional weaknesses, funding constraints, and gaps in enforcement limit the effectiveness of empowerment efforts. This reality underscores the need for sustained commitment and accountability among all stakeholders.
