By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
A case has been made for the federal government and other nation builders to reconcile traditional values with progressive ideas involving women’s participation in nation building as a significant contributor to stability and not being viewed as a risk factor.
Active participation of women/ladies in nation building will not only lead to speedy development of peaceful and just society for the even development of Nigerian girl child and women who have proved their worth in various spheres of life within the country and at the global level.
Guest lecturer at the 26th Founders’ Day of the El-Amin International School, Mrs. Fatima Musa, who made the declaration recently, said it is sad that despite immense contributions, the federal government and state governments have failed to act on the 35 percent gender affirmative action.
Fatima who paid glowing tribute to the founder of El-Amin International School and late wife to the former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Maryam, said her legacies has remained an indelible mark for present and generations to come to emulate.
Speaking on the topic; ‘The Critical Role of Women in Nationa Building’, Fatima said it is pertinent for especially state governments to come up with gender-friendly laws that will encourage girls, ladies and mothers to pursue their goals and attain full potentials in life.
Women have proved their worth in all sphere of life, adding that, “For the overall development of women, focus must be given to factors such as education, gender friendly laws and strong political commitments for women development”.
Fatima also said that, “Mainstreaming women related issues, empowerment, increasing their participation and creation of effective environment for overall development and participation in nation building is important towards achieving equitable, peaceful and more prosperous society”.
Nation building according to Fatima should therefore be more about; working to reconcile traditional values with progressive ideas involving women’s participation in society as it is a significant contributor to stability and not a risk factor and less of rhetoric.
Nigerian women are not challenging the God-given authority or headship of the men as the head of families, Fatima pointed out, adding however that all that the Nigerian women/ladies are asking for is the opportunity to prove what they can do as helpmeet for the men.
All that the women/ladies are asking for is, “To be allowed to have control over their own lives or situations they are in, make decisions about own living/existence and surroundings join workforce and contribute to family income and as well take part in decision making in family and society at large”.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the School, Mr. Mohammed Babangida said though it hasn’t been a smooth journey, but the family and management of El-Amin International have strived to keep alive the legacies of late Maryam Babangida, thirteen years after her demise.
Babangida who expressed gratitude to all those who contributed financially and through other personal commitments to the success of the 26th founders’ day anniversary said the school have sustained the standard bequeathed by the founder and will continue to uphold same in the coming years.
NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper Correspondent reports that, while guests were treated to drama sketches, music by the school’s choral group, awards were also presented to persons who have contributed in one way or the other to the growth and development of the school. NNL.
