Beyond International Women’s Day

Today, on March 8, 2024, Nigeria joins the global chorus celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD), a day themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” The focus on investment is apt. Nigeria boasts a promising female entrepreneurship, with 23 million women accounting for 41 per cent of micro-business owners and a growing recognition of women’s vital role in the economy. Women are the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to agriculture, trade, and informal sectors. Yet, a disquieting reality hangs over these celebrations: the significant challenges of insecurity women face.

The recent spate of kidnappings, which saw a majority of the victims being women in the northern states of Kaduna and Borno, serves as a stark reminder. As Nigerians were gearing up for the International Women’s Day celebrations, dozens of internally displaced persons (IDPs), mostly women, were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists. Likewise, more than 250 students were abducted from their schools by bandits in Kuriga town, Kaduna State. The kidnappings not only inflict trauma on the victims and their families but also cast a chilling effect on women’s mobility and participation in public life.

The current security landscape hinders the economic advancement of women in Nigeria. While financial investment schemes and entrepreneurial support programmes are indispensable, they take a backseat when the fundamental safety issue is compromised. Fear of being kidnapped or harassed significantly limits women’s ability to move around freely, especially in rural areas. This fear makes it difficult for them to go to markets or engage in activities that could earn them money, like farming or running small businesses. As a result, they struggle to reach their fields, shops, or customers, which keeps them from fully participating in the economy.

Moreover, the pervasive fear of personal safety deters women from seeking employment opportunities that entail travel or non-traditional working hours, narrowing their job prospects. Additionally, restrictions on movement impede their ability to network and collaborate with peers, hampering their professional advancement. The psychological toll of unending security threats manifests in reduced productivity and increased absenteeism among women, as anxiety and fear detract from their ability to concentrate and perform effectively in their roles. Furthermore, the perpetual threat of violence often dissuades women from venturing into entrepreneurship, particularly in endeavours requiring travel or operating during late hours.

The overarching atmosphere of insecurity also undermines efforts towards women’s economic empowerment at a systemic level. Financial institutions may resist extending loans to women in insecure regions, fearing potential defaults amidst disruptions. Similarly, economic policies are not often implemented with a gender lens, further putting women at a disadvantage. Ultimately, this cycle of insecurity perpetuates a deleterious cycle wherein fear constrains mobility, thereby limiting economic opportunities and exacerbating poverty and social marginalisation. Consequently, women become more susceptible to exploitation and violence, perpetuating their cycle of vulnerability.

The government’s response to these cases of insecurity has always been full of promises yet to be cashed in. Increased military presence in some areas has yielded mixed results. While pronouncements of tougher action are made, the kidnappings continue. The root causes – weak governance, poverty, and the proliferation of criminal gangs – remain largely unaddressed. Investing in women is not just morally imperative, it is also economically sound. Studies have shown that increased female participation in the workforce leads to higher economic growth and poverty reduction. In Nigeria’s context, unlocking the full potential of its women can unlock the nation’s full potential.

Nigeria cannot afford to celebrate women’s potential while neglecting their safety. The investment must go beyond financial empowerment and translate into concrete measures to address the security risks women face. Effective intelligence gathering, improved policing, and a robust justice system are fundamental. Furthermore, tackling harmful cultural norms that perpetuate gender bias is essential. This includes addressing issues like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and discriminatory inheritance practices. Public awareness campaigns, legislative reforms, and community engagement can challenge these entrenched societal norms.

International Women’s Day is a time to acknowledge progress and a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. However, more than mere pronouncements on International Women’s Day are required. The onus lies on the government, private sector, and civil society to translate rhetoric into action. This requires sustained commitment, measurable targets, and coordinated efforts across various stakeholders. IWD serves as a timely reminder to celebrate the immense contributions of Nigerian women. But actual progress demands an unwavering commitment to investing in their future, not just on a designated day but every day. By empowering women, Nigeria can accelerate progress towards a more prosperous, equitable, and inclusive future for all. Until Nigerian women can move freely and securely, the promise of equality will remain unfulfilled.