Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Gender Matters, Mrs. Olamide Falana, has emphasized the need for women’s empowerment to go beyond mere handouts of food or cash. In a recent interview, Falana stressed that true empowerment involves investing in women’s businesses and ensuring they have the necessary resources to sustain and grow their enterprises.
Falana highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women in Nigeria, including deep-seated patriarchal norms and cultural myths that hinder gender equality. She noted that many men still believe gender equality is about women overpowering men, rather than recognizing it as a matter of equity and ensuring equal benefits for all. Falana also pointed out that women often lack the resources to compete in high-stakes areas such as elections, despite some political parties offering waivers.
The issue of reproductive health and rights was also addressed, with Falana noting that many women are denied autonomy over their own bodies and are unable to make decisions about family planning. This lack of control jeopardizes their future and well-being. Additionally, she mentioned that while family planning is becoming more accepted, cultural barriers, especially from men, still exist.
Falana advocated for legal reforms, such as the passage of the Gender Equality Bill and the bill providing special seats for women. She emphasized that Nigeria ranks 41st out of 41 African nations in terms of women in parliament, which is unacceptable. She expressed hope that with the right legal framework, more women can be empowered to take on leadership roles.
The role of technology in women’s empowerment was also discussed, with Falana noting that many financial inclusion programs are designed for the educated, excluding millions of women due to illiteracy. She called for addressing the barriers that prevent women from accessing financial services and technology.
Falana concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous advocacy to challenge and change deep-seated cultural and social norms. She praised the efforts of the Ondo State governor in empowering women through reforms in political participation, healthcare, and education.
