By Kingsley Chukwuka
Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs, (NAWE), has said Nigerian women are poorly represented in leadership position and manpower, calling on the federal government to liberate women from these inequalities going forward.
President, NAWE, Barr. Veronica Ndanusa, while congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari on Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day anniversary, fingered poor access to education, gainful employment, unpaid labour burdens, unequal inheritance rights as factors mitigating against women’s full inclusion in leadership.
Calling on President Buhari to address these inequalities, Ndanusa said women have proven to be champions in the little space given to them in leadership position.
Not forgetting those ravaged by conflict and insurgency, the NAWE boss said: “As we celebrate our 61st Independence anniversary, let us remember the severe humanitarian needs in some parts of Nigeria created by conflict and resolve to live in peace and unity”.
However, NAWE thanked the President for the creation of Ministries like Women Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Social Development Ministries, saying that it demonstrates the commitment of Buhari in reaching out to women and the poor in the society.
Consequently, proffering solution to the lingering gender imbalance, Ndanusa opined that women participation in leadership will create a balance of power between genders, adding that it is an indicator of development in any society.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed a rise in the number of women serving in elected and appointed political position the world over. But that is not the case for Nigerian women.
“The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant democracies.
“When women are not participating in politics, it’s less likely that policies will benefit them. Women need to participate to bring attention to issues that uniquely affect them, and to change attitudes towards gender”, she said.