The drums are rolling out again this week to promote social and economic inclusion for women. This year’s International Women’s Day has an interesting theme which is: ‘Accelerate Action.’
It is a clarion call to ramp up activities, strategies and resources to accelerate women’s growth in various sectors of the society.
Women empowerment is certainly at the centre of pivotal development of womenfolk. Should this not be easier now with the proliferation of social media, electronic, and technology tools?
In the last few decades, we have witnessed the rise of women writers, politicians,
Oil magnates, development figures, creatives and entrepreneurs.
There was a time in history that such a development was hard to come by. Back then, women were mostly hewers of wood, home makers and child rearers.
Today, more women have served as Prime Ministers, Presidential candidates, Directors Generals, Ambassadors, National Security Advisers, and Secretary of State in developing, and developed nations.
I feel that the jury is still out on the total equality of women. Is it a mirage that total equality with men can ever take place? Is gender equality feasible because of the traditional roles of women as homemakers and child rearers?
I think it is far easier for women with ample economic prowess to easily delegate some functions to other parties while they focus on their careers or business.
This is true for women in urban centres who smartly invest and trust mechanical gadgets to reduce their daily routines to the barest levels.
On the other hand, those in the rural settings are unable to free themselves from the drudgery of poverty, hard life, and hopelessness. They are consumed by crushing or harsh farming practices, non-existent healthcare and access to financial services.
This is why I implore the female leading lights that have scaled the walls and shattered glass ceilings to spend time to fraternise with these classes of women.
They are the ones that will benefit from ‘Accelerate Action’ initiatives.
They should spearhead innovative programs to provide pathways for such women to exit their punishing conditions.
Women leaders in urban
centres should establish quasi-training programs to train disadvantaged women in the rural areas and slums in city centres too.
State Governments should mandate various local government authorities to provide subsidised day care, creches and nurseries for nursing mothers.
The Private sector should be given tax incentives for providing safety nets for women projects.
Coming closer home, Gen Z generation should be aware of the tremendous opportunities available in the sciences, arts and business.
It is not enough to be dancing and shaking bumbum on social media apps for entertainment.
Women too, can devise technology solutions to largely female problems.
While I join other women to celebrate International Women’s Day this week, I do so with mixed feelings.
There’s more to be done:
How will you be celebrating
International Women’s Day this year?
Will you reach out to less endowed women in your community, workplace, religious space?
It is only when we collaborate that we can ‘Accelerate Action’…
Don’t you think?
Please send me your comments and feedback on this and other topics to mooborscounsellingroom@gmail.com.
By Mubo Okosun
Women’s Editor
