EMPOWERING NIGERIAN WOMEN: A Call to Action for the First Lady and Top Women Leaders

Maryam Aminu

In a groundbreaking movement towards national development, women across Africa are leading the charge in transforming the socio-economic landscape. From grassroots initiatives to high-level political engagements, their efforts are proving that empowering women is not just a matter of equity, but a vital strategy for national progress.

In a powerful appeal for female empowerment, Princess Mimi Peter, President of the Nigeria Female Youth Organisation (NFYO), has called on the First Lady and other top women leaders to leverage their influence to uplift Nigerian women.

Princess Mimi made the appeal ahead of the forthcoming event tagged Women Arise 2024! organised by the Nigeria Female Youth Organisation in collaboration with ECOWAS Youth Parliament

The program which will be held in Abuja on the 24th and 25th of July 2024 at the National Human Right Commission has it theme: Inspiring and Empowering Women as a Gateway to National Development

Mimi stressed that the organization is calling on the First Ladies because their activities can support governance in several ways

“By leveraging their platform and visibility, first ladies can raise awareness, mobilize resources and influence policy to drive development in their states and contribute to national progress”

She lamented that despite women’s significant contributions to society, many Nigerian women still face substantial barriers to reaching their full potential.

She emphasized the crucial need for collective action from leading women to drive transformative changes across various sectors.

She highlighted several key areas where intervention is essential:

Education and Skills Training

Mimi Peter underscored the importance of education as the cornerstone of empowerment.

She urged support for initiatives that enhance access to quality education for girls and women, advocating for investments that equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. Additionally, she calls for vocational training programs tailored to market needs, which can promote economic independence by providing women with essential skills.

Entrepreneurial Support

Recognizing women entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic growth, NFYO Boss highlighted the challenges they face, including limited access to capital, mentorship, and markets.

She called for policies and programs that provide financial support, business training, and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs, creating an enabling environment for women-owned businesses to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

Health and Well-being

Peter stresses the critical importance of addressing women’s unique health needs, including maternal health, mental health, and access to reproductive health services.

She appealed for initiatives that ensure women have access to affordable and quality healthcare, which is essential for their overall empowerment and ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

Mimi Peter”s call to action is a timely reminder of the need for sustained efforts to empower Nigerian women. By championing these causes, the First Lady and other influential women leaders can play a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, where every woman has the opportunity to achieve her dreams and contribute to national development.

NFYO President expressed that in many cultures around the world, women continue to face oppressive and harmful practices, particularly following the death of a husband. These practices, deeply rooted in tradition and societal norms, often result in severe emotional, psychological, and even physical trauma.

She added that it is imperative to address and condemn these practices to ensure the dignity, rights, and well-being of women are upheld.

“One of the most troubling issues is the intimidation and abuse women face from their husband’s family after his passing. In many cultures, the widow is often blamed for the husband’s death, subjected to humiliating rituals, or coerced into unfavorable situations such as forced remarriage or loss of property and custody of her children. These actions are not only unjust but also a blatant violation of human rights.”

“It is crucial to recognize that cultural practices affecting women, particularly widows, are not immutable traditions but are harmful and unjust. By condemning these practices and advocating for the rights and dignity of women, we can create a more equitable and humane society.”

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no woman is subjected to intimidation, abuse, or deprivation simply because of her marital status.

Dignitaries expected to be present at the event are:
Her Excellency Remi Tinubu the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Gloria Diri first lady Bayelsa state, Hon. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye Minister of Women Affairs, Her Excellency Mrs Betsy Bene Obeseki, Edo state first lady, Her Excellency Falmata Babagana umaru Zulum, first lady Borno state, Mrs Pricillia Otti first lady Abia state, Mrs Setinat usman Adodo, First lady kogi state, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo -olu first lady lagos state among others