WOMEN deserve to be celebrated on a daily basis for their invaluable contributions to our lives, communities, and society as a whole.
Their impact is multifaceted and far-reaching, making them the unsung heroes of our daily lives. They possess remarkable strengths and qualities that deserve recognition. They are resilient and, most times, bouncing back from challenges and adversity with courage and determination. They demonstrate emotional, mental, and physical fortitude in the face of obstacle
Comparing women with nature is symbolic and metaphysical. Women give birth, and nature produces new life. Women care for their children, and nature sustains all living beings. Women’s bodies follow natural cycles (menstruation, pregnancy), and nature has its own cycles (seasons, day-night). Patriarchal societies have historically dominated and exploited both women and nature. It seems to me that the oppression of women and the degradation of nature are interconnected.
Their pivotal roles in our homes, communities, and workplaces make them the most endowed with emotional intelligence. They are our first teachers, guiding and moulding the characters of future generations, offering wisdom, support, and encouragement and effectively managing resources to create comfortable and loving homes for us.
ALSO READ: Bloody Civilians, Nigerian Military, Impunity And Immunity; By Owei Lakemfa
They can be very determined, persevering in their endeavours, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
They make the most of available resources to create something truly special.
They bring joy, love, and warmth to our lives. They add flavour, making life more vibrant and fulfilling, creating cosy and welcoming homes and offering support for their loved ones. They are indeed the bulwark of our homes and communities. Their selflessness, dedication, and perseverance make them true heroes. It’s essential that we celebrate and appreciate women every day for all that they do.
No wonder, in many ancient cultures, nature was associated with feminine principles, such as fertility, nurturing, and receptivity. This was reflected in the worship of goddesses like Gaia, Isis, and Demeter, who embodied the cycles of nature. To hate women is to hate nature!
On the issue between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill Akpabio, it is so surprising how fellow women hurriedly poured invective at her. The issue of sexual harassment is not just common in Nigeria; it is rampant – it is there in the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, government offices, markets and even religious centres.
Comparing women with nature is symbolic and metaphysical. Women give birth, and nature produces new life. Women care for their children, and nature sustains all living beings. Women’s bodies follow natural cycles (menstruation, pregnancy), and nature has its own cycles (seasons, day-night). Patriarchal societies have historically dominated and exploited both women and nature. It seems to me that the oppression of women and the degradation of nature are interconnected.
ALSO READ: Lami Fatima Babare (1966-2018): She Would Have Been 59; By Hassan Gimba
As we celebrate International Women Day 2025, I sincerely salute all courageous women of the world. My heart goes out to women in war-torn nations grappling on daily basis with the vagaries of war, while trying to protect their children. They are the heroes of our time!
Women should not wait for anyone to celebrate them. They should learn to love, appreciate, support one another and cherish themselves. In Nigeria, the greatest challenge of women is women themselves.
I want to believe that they are all happy with the hasty decision of the Senate to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months! It has always been the duty of women to keep themselves down. Women should learn to tell one another liberating stories, support their struggles and celebrate their victories and successes; advocate for their rights, for empowerment and equity.
Most often, our women unconsciously, absorb and perpetuate societal norms and expectations that undermine their own interests and those of other women. This is referred to as “internalised misogyny” or “lateral oppression.”
ALSO READ: Monthly Focus For March 2025: The Way Of Wisdom; By Pastor Favour Abu Onoja
It appears that Women have been programmed to compete with each other for attention, validation, and resources, even at the detriment of the overall or collective feminine interest.
For years, starting from 1992, Mrs Sarah Jibril contested presidential primaries without any support from fellow women. In PDP primaries of 2011, where she squared against Atiku Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan, she scored only a single vote and I guess that was the vote she cast for herself.
Women account for about 51% of the voting population of the country. The highest office a woman has occupied is Speaker of the House of Representatives, which Hon. Patricia Etteh held for four months and 26 days between June and October 2007 before she was compelled to quit over alleged graft.
Since Mrs Etteh’s removal, none of her male counterparts has been indicted. Is it that the male politicians are saints?
The United Nations’ theme for this year’s Women’s Day celebration is ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment” – must be the banner for all Nigeria women, especially those in our law-making organs of government.
On the issue between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill Akpabio, it is so surprising how fellow women hurriedly poured invective at her. The issue of sexual harassment is not just common in Nigeria; it is rampant – it is there in the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, government offices, markets and even religious centres.
ALSO READ: Governance As Self-Interest; By Jibrin Ibrahim
Unfortunately, when a woman raises her voice, it is her fellow women that will shout her down, and tell the world how naughty and wayward she is. Some women help to perpetuate the toxic culture that silence victims, thereby helping to maintain patriarchal dominance by undermining women’s frustrating experiences and suppressing their cries.
All the women that spoke on the issue from Remi Tinubu to Ita Giwa and Ireti Kingibe, none was impressive on the germane subject of sexual harassment. I see all of them as women who have been conquered by patriarchal influence and pressure.
ALSO READ: IBB’s Multipurpose Transition Train Reached A Dead End; By Aminu Habibu Jahun
I want to believe that they are all happy with the hasty decision of the Senate to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months! It has always been the duty of women to keep themselves down. Women should learn to tell one another liberating stories, support their struggles and celebrate their victories and successes; advocate for their rights, for empowerment and equity.
The United Nations’ theme for this year’s Women’s Day celebration is ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment” – must be the banner for all Nigeria women, especially those in our law-making organs of government.
