“A woman’s place is in the kitchen” is a phrase that has often been used to qualify women as not being good enough to make certain decisions or occupy a particular role.
Women from time immemorial have been gender stereotyped with the belief that they are delicate, weak and fragile. Women have been sidelined with restrictive laws, cultural and religious practices that have limited the female gender.
Over the years, women have come out to show they are strong, tough and can take up any task and even perform excellently.
Women have launched into space and have also made lasting impacts on social, political, judiciary and economic systems around the globe.
Despite constituting about 50% of the nation’s population, women in Nigeria remain marginalized socially, economically and politically.
Women play a huge role in the development of any nation. They are the foundation stone of a strong society. They have an important role to play in society. They are not only responsible for the upbringing of their children but also contribute to the development of society.
THE VARIOUS ROLES PLAYED BY WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY
- Women play a pivotal role in society right from the time they are born till the time they die. Their role starts with taking care of their children and guiding them in the right direction.
They teach them the values of life and help them grow into responsible citizens.
- Women are also responsible for the overall development of society. They contribute to the economic, social and political development of society.
You will find out that whenever you place a woman in any position, they will do well because they are compassionate, managers and whenever they are given responsibility, they perform excellently well and do better.
- Women play an important role in the economic development of society. They are the backbone of the household and contribute to the family income.
They work as hard as men and yet are not given their due credit.
HOW WOMEN CAN DEVELOP THEMSELF TO CONTRIBUTE TO NATION BUILDING
- Education: Every woman deserves at least basic education to be able to lead her family and community but today, if any woman wants to make a significant contribution to nation-building, she must strive to get to the highest echelon of education. Every woman who would make an active contribution to national development must be hugely invested in personal development.
- SELF CONFIDENCE & BRILLIANCE
You may not have gotten the highest education but you must be confident in yourself, your message and what you have to offer to the world.
A lot of women who made historical contributions and impact in Nigeria were not educated but they were confident enough to kick off different movements that changed the trajectory of our nation for good.
- JOIN A POLITICAL PARTY
Politics is a vehicle through which active national impact is created.
Women who want to contribute to nation-building must start by belonging to a political party, get involved in the grassroots till the national level
Be accessible, stay humble, teachable and don’t run away from responsibility. attend ward meetings, build confidence to garner the support of the people and when the time comes, they can nominate you for offices at the senate or even if you decide to run, you have built massive grassroots support.
- GET MENTORS
No man is an island and a strategic relationship is one currency that will bring you faster to your goals and ambition.
Get mentors who are already thriving in the field of your aspiration, stay teachable, ask question
- DETERMINATION
Don’t give up when you fail, bounce back and build up on your effort.
CONCLUSION
Everyone must collectively call out gender-based bias and inequality. We must pay attention to educating the girl child because when you educate a woman, you educate and empower a nation and giving them attention is key to sustainable development.
When more women are empowered, it goes down the ladder because they are empowered to empower others; the family, children and other women around them.
Happy Independence Day Nigeria!
May this new year be characterized by social equality and gender inclusivity.