We Are Not Often Given The Level of Recognition Required, Women Group Cries

The Federal Government has been criticised for failing to recognise women’s role in nation-building.

A non-governmental organisation, Women in Politics Forum stated this while speaking to newsmen. The Chairperson of the organisation, Mrs. Ebere Ifendu, noted that the non-inclusion of women on the list was of concern. 

She argued that the omission was not accidental but rather a sign of the marginalization of women’s contributions to nation-building. 

The group also appealed to the Federal Government to name more national monuments after women. 

According to Ifendu, “Many Nigerian women contributed directly or indirectly to the attainment of independence and are still contributing immensely to national development.

“However, they are not often given the level of recognition required.

“We have women like Gambo Sawaba, Fumilayo Ransome Kuti and Maryam Babangida, who opened the path for Nigerian women and many more.” 

Ifendu also stated that, “These brave women defied our highly patriarchal setting to contribute to humanity and should be well celebrated at any given opportunity.

“For instance, I looked through the recent list of 15 airports renamed after some renowned Nigerians and I did not see any woman on the list.

“This is disheartening and I urge the Federal Government and relevant authorities to recognise women more.

She said: “The only airport we have named after a woman in the whole of Nigeria is Magaret Ekpo International  Airport in Cross River  State.

“We are not just asking the Federal Government to name more airports after women but other national monuments.

“Women should also be represented in every sector of the economy in the present administration.”