Women from Nigeria’s rural communities and urban centers at the 8th Voice of Women Conference (#VOW2024), in Abuja, united to tackle one of the most pressing issues affecting them: achieving women’s inclusion for sustainable development, ENE OSHABA writes
It was a gathering of women from different walks of life at the
8th Voice of Women Conference (#VOW2024), in Abuja, providing a unique opportunity for women from rural communities and urban centers, to unite and tackle one of the most pressing issues affecting them: achieving women’s inclusion for sustainable development.
Addressing the conference, the Senator representing Kogi Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reemphasized the power of Nigerian women, describing them as “the most resilient beings.”
While highlighting their substantial but underappreciated contributions to society, in a keynote address at the conference in Abuja, recently, the lawmaker noted that: “Women have been used as tools to elect male leaders who, in turn, churn out policies that primarily benefit men,”
Akpoti-Uduaghan expresses worry that, “Year after year, our concerns go unmet, our children’s future ignored.”
Married woman’s challenge
One major focus of Akpoti-Uduaghan speech was the plight of married women, especially in rural areas, where cultural norms and outdated laws continue to place them in a disadvantaged position.
She shared troubling anecdotes about harmful traditions, where widows are forced to drink water used to wash their husband’s corpse as a form of ritual ‘cleansing’ pointing out these practices point to the urgent need for societal and legal reforms.
“Many married women live in fear of abandonment, whether through the death of a spouse or a husband’s decision to take a second wife; many face uncertain futures with no legal safety net to protect them.
“Where is the safety net for these women, do we have shelters for such women?” she asked passionately.
The lawmaker challenged aspiring female politicians to champion laws that would create robust social protections for married women, ensuring they were not left destitute when marriage failed them.
Civil servants and gender inequality
Akpoti-Uduaghan also discussed another critical group of women: those in the civil service, both in rural and urban settings.
“Women civil servants, the backbone of public services in Nigeria, face numerous challenges, from lower pay compared to their male counterparts to limited opportunities for promotion,” she stated.
According to the keynote speakers, one of the most harrowing issues was the rampant sexual harassment in workplaces.
“Many female civil servants experience unwanted advances from male superiors, and those who dare to speak out face public shaming or even divorce threats,” she lamented.
She urged political leaders to amend labour laws to address these inequalities and create an environment where women can thrive in their careers without fear of exploitation or retaliation.
“How do we ensure fair opportunities for women in the workplace? Lawmakers need to prioritise labour law reforms, ensuring equal pay and protections from harassment,” she argued.
Supporting female entrepreneurs
Continuing, she addressed issues affecting female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, stating, “Contrary to common assumptions, the majority of female entrepreneurs are found in Nigeria’s rural communities, not its urban centres. Whether they are weavers, shea butter producers, or market traders, these women are essential to their local economies. However, they face a host of barriers, including: limited access to capital, markets, and branding opportunities that stifle their potential.”
She challenged policy makers to create more accessible financial solutions for these entrepreneurs and to prioritise capacity-building programmes that can help them scale their businesses.
“The majority of Nigeria’s female entrepreneurs are in the rural areas. If we are serious about economic development, we must focus on them,” another speaker noted.
Empowering women, shaping policies
In her welcome address, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Chairperson of the VOW2024 Planning Committee, highlighted the transformative potential of inclusive governance.
She emphasized that grassroots women are the foundation of Nigeria’s communities, and their inclusion in leadership is key to fostering national development. Drawing on consultations with women from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi set a powerful tone for the conference: “Women supporting women” was at the heart of the agenda, aimed at breaking barriers and creating bridges between rural and urban women.
Call for genuine political engagement
The overarching message was that the road to a sustainable Nigeria can not be paved without women’s full inclusion in governance, decision-making, and economic life.
Aspiring female politicians were urged to move beyond empty campaign promises and instead connect with the real concerns of Nigerian women, whether they are housewives, civil servants, or entrepreneurs.
It was observed that women must no longer be relegated to the sidelines in political discourse because they are ready to lead, and their voices must be heard.
Education as panacea for inequality
On her part, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, recalled her own struggles growing up in a rural community, where access to education was a constant battle.
She lauded her grandmother’s resilience for giving her the opportunity to attend school and get an education, making her a testament to what women can achieve when they are given the support they need.
“There are people in the grassroots going through what I have gone through, but after all the suffering and rejection, today I am here standing. And my community is proud of me,” she said.
Call to action
In her address, the Convener of the conference, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, who is also the CEO of Women Radio 91.7 FM, emphasized the urgency of elevating women’s voices in leadership.
She highlighted that women, particularly those from grassroots communities, were often the unsung heroes of society.
She called on President Bola Tinubu to lend his voice and political will to getting the bill to create the 74 extra seats for women passed by the 10th National Assembly.
The convener also stressed the importance of strengthening the bond between grassroots and urban women.
“We need you to be deliberate and intentional using your voice and political will to do more and elevate Nigerian women’s inclusion to global standards.
“To my sisters in the grassroots, we acknowledge that you have the power, and you must use your individual and collective power to support more women into leadership positions.
“With your power, Nigeria can have her first elected female governor, first female vice president, more women as senators, more women at House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly,” she stressed.
Sonaiya further noted that, “Grassroots women are the backbone of our communities; they are the nurturers and the leaders of tomorrow. When grassroots women are supported and empowered, they uplift the entire society.”
She urged collective effort to dismantle systemic barriers to women’s leadership, further asserting that women’s empowerment was not merely a matter of equality but a prerequisite for sustainable development.
The convener encouraged urban women, who often occupy more visible roles in leadership, to support their grassroots counterparts, especially those who possess invaluable insights into community challenges and potential solutions.
Bridging the divide
Chairperson of the Council of Wives of Traditional Rulers Association in the FCT, Her Royal Highness Hauwa Ibrahim Adamu, reflected on the struggles of rural women who face poverty and limited access to education and healthcare.
“Poverty is rampant in our communities, and despite policies aimed at improving our lives, grassroots women often bear the brunt of these systemic failures,” she lamented.
Role of policies, governance
The conversation at #VOW2024 delved into the structural challenges women face, particularly in political representation.
According to the speakers, despite comprising nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women’s representation in leadership roles continues to decline.
“We are not just here to voice our frustrations; we are here to demand change,” Sonaiya declared while emphasizing the need for policies that prioritise women’s inclusion in governance.
She called upon policymakers to create pathways for grassroots women to transition into leadership roles.
“Women must be encouraged, equipped, and positioned to serve not just at local levels but in national and global spaces,” the convener asserted.
This sentiment resonated throughout the conference, where participants exchanged stories and strategies for empowering women across different sectors.
Celebrating sisterhood
One of the most impactful moments of the conference was the emphasis on women supporting women.
The spirit of collaboration was palpable, with urban women mentoring and advocating for their grassroots counterparts. Sonaiya shared a compelling vision, which is a mentorship network where women in leadership guide and support emerging leaders from grassroots society can foster an environment where leadership is seen as attainable and inclusive.
The conference also explored practical initiatives to strengthen these bonds.
Creating cooperatives and networks, like the Coalition of Women Group in Lagos, was highlighted as a successful model for resource sharing and mutual support.
Such collaborative efforts, it was agreed that not only empower individual women but also serve to build resilient communities.
Success stories, more demands
The conference spotlighted numerous inspiring stories, including that of Ramatu, a young investigative journalist who exposed corruption in the healthcare sector.
Her courage and determination to drive change serve as a reminder of the strength women bring to governance and leadership.
Sessions featuring keynote speakers like Her Royal Highness Hauwa Ibrahim Adamu and Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of Labour, further illuminated the indispensable role of women in leadership.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State was recognised for his leadership in promoting women’s inclusion. Over the past five years, Kwara has implemented policies designed to empower women economically and ensure equitable financial resource allocation.
These success stories from states like Kwara and Ekiti were presented as models for nationwide adoption, highlighting how local efforts can drive significant national impact.
Sonaiya further urged women to set aside personal grievances and unite behind women leaders, regardless of their backgrounds. “Our power as women lies in our collective ability to support each other,” she affirmed, reminding attendees that the path to leadership requires financial, emotional, and practical support from every corner of society.
Addressing challenges of leadership
Despite the progress made, the conference addressed the disconnect some rural women feel after supporting female leaders into power.
Several participants voiced concerns about the lack of engagement from elected officials’ post-election. These women, who had mobilised votes, felt abandoned after the campaigns ended. This concern sparked discussions on the need for continued dialogue between elected leaders and their grassroots supporters.
In response, Senator Ireti Kingibe, the only female senator from the FCT, acknowledged these concerns while emphasizing the challenges of serving a vast constituency.
She expressed her dedication to bringing tangible change through her legislative work, including bills aimed at improving maternal healthcare and establishing a nursing and midwifery school in Gwagwalada.
Her empowerment of over 10,000 people was proof of her commitment, but she admitted that meeting the needs of millions remains a significant challenge.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Kole A. Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation commended the conference as a powerful platform for inspiring change, while Andrew Mamedu of ActionAid Nigeria lauded Women Radio’s partnership in promoting women’s rights.
Similarly, Saudatu Mahdi of WRAPA also reaffirmed the shared mission to ensure women’s voices are not only heard but acted upon, as they continue to touch lives and transform communities across Nigeria
Participants were urged to continue pushing for increased representation of women in leadership. The focus now shifts towards implementing the strategies discussed at the conference and fostering the inclusion of women in politics, governance, and economic empowerment.
The ambitious vision set forth by the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation aims to achieve tangible results by 2025, with hopes of seeing Nigeria’s first female governor, vice president, and many more women in the Senate and House of Representatives.
As the conference drew to a close, participants left with renewed determination. Whether from the grassroots or urban centers, the women of Nigeria are united in their pursuit of inclusion and sustainability.
The path forward is clear: it requires collective action, genuine political will, and an unwavering commitment to gender equality. Only then can Nigeria achieve the sustainable future it so desperately needs.
The unity of grassroots and urban women is a powerful force that can break down barriers and challenge the status quo.
“We can have our first elected female governor, a first female vice-president, and more women in the Senate and House of Representatives,” Sonaiya stated; inspiring the attendees to envision a future where women lead decisively in governance.
The #VOW2024 conference was more than a gathering; it was a movement, a movement toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Nigeria.
As grassroots and urban women unite in their quest for inclusion, they remind us all of the vital role that women play in shaping the future of our nation. It is a call for action, a call for solidarity, and a call for change that resonates deeply within every community across Nigeria.