By Mabel Adinya Ade
The Nigerian Rural Woman stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, holding the weight of her family, her community, and, to a large extent, the nation’s agricultural sector. Every day, she rises early to juggle domestic chores, farming, trading, and other activities, all while navigating a landscape shaped by patriarchy and systemic inequalities. Her resilience in the face of these challenges is admirable, but her full potential remains unrealized. Without urgent and targeted investments in her health, economic opportunities, and access to technology, the Nigerian Rural Woman will continue to be underserved, and the country will struggle to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable food security.
The Weight of Patriarchy and Social Exclusion
Patriarchy remains deeply rooted in rural communities, restricting the roles of women to domestic duties and farming, while barring them from decision-making processes. This exclusion limits their access to education, financial services, and political participation. Without a platform to express their views or engage in policy discussions, rural women are left at the mercy of decisions made on their behalf, reinforcing a cycle of poverty and marginalization. This gap in gender equality not only undermines the rural woman’s dignity but also stifles her economic potential.
Health and Maternal Care: A Critical Need
The health of Rural Women is often jeopardized due to poor access to healthcare, particularly maternal and reproductive services. Many rural areas lack healthcare infrastructure, and those that exist are often understaffed and ill-equipped. The inability to access sanitary materials, combined with limited reproductive health services, means that many rural women face preventable health crises that erode their productivity and wellbeing. This situation is further aggravated by the absence of comprehensive health insurance, leaving rural women vulnerable to life-threatening maternal complications. Addressing this health gap is not just a matter of equity it is essential for improving their economic productivity and ensuring the wellbeing of future generations.
Climate Change and Food Security
Climate change is an existential threat to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, and rural women, who rely heavily on farming, are at the frontline of this crisis. Unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and reduced crop yields have made it increasingly difficult for rural women to secure food for their families and contribute to the nation’s food security. However, despite their crucial role in agriculture, they are often excluded from climate resilience programmes and decision-making processes. Without access to farm inputs, information, and technology that can help them adapt to climate change, rural women are left vulnerable, which in turn jeopardizes Nigeria’s food security.
Gender-Based Violence and Political Exclusion
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue in rural communities, where cultural practices and social norms often perpetuate cycles of abuse. Women are frequently silenced, both in their homes and in the public sphere, where they are excluded from meaningful political participation. This social exclusion denies rural women the opportunity to advocate for their own rights, and policies that could directly improve their lives remain out of reach. The absence of women’s voices in political spaces is a critical gap that must be addressed for Nigeria to build an inclusive society.
The Role of Legislation in Women’s Health and Well-Being
The importance of strong legal frameworks cannot be overstated in the quest to enhance women’s health and well-being. The Nigerian National Assembly must prioritize the passage of pending Gender Bills that aim to protect and empower women. These bills are essential for ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, safeguarding reproductive rights, and addressing GBV. Furthermore, the ongoing threat to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law must be addressed urgently. This law provides crucial protection against violence and discrimination, and its reinforcement is vital for the safety and empowerment of rural women. By establishing robust legal protections, Nigeria can create an environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Technology and Information: Transforming Lives
In the face of these daunting challenges, technology offers a beacon of hope. With mobile phones and internet access becoming increasingly available, rural women now have the opportunity to bridge the information gap that has long held them back. Technology is proving to be a game changer, particularly in enhancing access to financial services, health care, and agricultural knowledge.
1. Access to Financial Services and Markets: Mobile banking has revolutionized the way rural women access financial resources. With mobile money services, rural women can now save, borrow, and transfer funds without needing to travel long distances to banking institutions. This access to financial resources opens doors to entrepreneurship and enables them to invest in more profitable ventures. In addition, e-commerce platforms can connect them directly to consumers, eliminating middlemen and increasing their income from agricultural products.
2. Digital Agricultural Tools: Mobile applications that provide real-time information on weather forecasts, market prices, and sustainable farming practices are empowering rural women to make informed decisions that enhance their productivity. Access to climate-smart agricultural techniques and inputs, such as drought-resistant seeds, helps women mitigate the impact of climate change and improve food security for their families and communities.
3. Telemedicine and Health Information: Telemedicine is another powerful tool in bridging the health care gap. Rural women can now consult with healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming travel to health centres. Mobile health apps that provide information on maternal health, family planning, and menstrual hygiene further empower women to take control of their health, ensuring healthier outcomes for both themselves and their families.
4. Education and Capacity Building: E-learning platforms and digital literacy programs can unlock new opportunities for rural women, equipping them with the skills needed to improve their economic prospects. Online courses in business management, financial literacy, and agricultural best practices can empower rural women to build more resilient livelihoods and contribute more meaningfully to their communities.
5. Empowerment through Social Media and Advocacy: Social media platforms provide rural women with a voice to advocate for their rights and participate in broader conversations about governance and policy. By engaging in online advocacy, rural women can connect with development partners, policymakers, and like-minded organizations to drive change and raise awareness about the issues affecting them.
The Path Forward: Investing in the Nigerian Rural Woman
For Nigeria to achieve its development goals and secure a future of inclusive economic growth and food security, it is imperative that we invest in the rural woman. Here’s how:
1. Health Insurance and Quality Health Care: Establishing accessible health insurance schemes that cater to the unique needs of rural women will ensure they have access to quality health services. This will improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes, reducing the burden of preventable complications that currently hinder their productivity and economic participation.
2. Financial Empowerment and Education: Investing in microfinance initiatives and educational programs targeting rural women can help close the financial literacy gap and empower them to start or expand businesses. Financial inclusion will not only boost their individual economic standing but also contribute to the overall economic growth of rural communities.
3. Climate Resilience and Agricultural Support: Including rural women in climate resilience programs is crucial for safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Providing them with the tools, technology, and knowledge to adapt to climate change will enhance their productivity and ensure the future of food security in Nigeria.
4. Political Participation and Social Inclusion: Creating platforms for rural women to participate in political processes and advocacy efforts is essential for their empowerment. Ensuring that the voices of Rural Women are heard in policy discussions will lead to more gender-sensitive policies that address their unique challenges and pave the way for meaningful change.
5. Legal Framework and Protections: The Nigerian National Assembly must prioritize the passage of pending Gender Bills and reinforce the VAPP law to create a robust legal framework that protects women’s rights and enhances their health and well-being. This legal backing is essential for fostering an environment where rural women can thrive.
6. Technology-Driven Development: Expanding access to digital tools and internet connectivity in rural areas will accelerate the economic empowerment of rural women. Technology-driven solutions can enhance their access to markets, financial services, health care, and education, ultimately improving their quality of life and their ability to contribute to the economy.
Conclusion:
The Nigerian rural woman is a pillar of resilience and strength, but she faces immense challenges that stifle her dignity and potential. To unlock her full contribution to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, we must prioritize investments in health, education, financial empowerment, and technology. Policymakers and development partners must recognize that by empowering rural women, they are not only uplifting individuals but also driving Nigeria towards a more equitable and prosperous future. The time to act is now, and the future of Nigeria’s food security, economic growth, and social stability depends on it.
Mabel Adinya Ade is the Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF)
