Photo Credit: Jaguda.com |
As the world celebrates the International women's day, the women of Nigeria, especially the younger generation must not renege on striving to be heard across the nations of the world.
It is on record today, that women are better managers of resources better than their male counters.
Over the years, women have cried over the gross marginalisation of women. In time past, women have been denied quality Education, accessible health-care and the equitable distribution of resources but all these are gradually becoming a thing of the past due to the many contributions of our mothers, the likes of Queen Amina, Margaret Ekpo, Fumilayo Ransome Kuti, Dora Akunyili, Oby Ezekwesili, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chioma Ajunwa, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, Flora Nwapa, Folorunsho Alakija, Prof. Bolanle Awe, Modupe Osikoya, Buchi Emecheta, and many others that have made our nation proud.
They fought against discrimination of women. They gave their all and we must not let them down.
These patriarchs fought against violence against women, child molestation, child trafficking, rape, and inequality of the girl child.
It is appalling that in recent times, the struggles of our mothers and heroines have been thrown to the wind. Today, our young daughters no longer read, they indulge in all manner of immoral practices leading to the detriment of their future.
Our culture and way of life as Africans has left us completely. Recently, I saw a rather disturbing picture of a young girl and a boy nude posing for a pageant competition, and I ask, where did we go wrong? How did we get to this stage where young people no longer have morality?
As the world celebrates today's International women day, mothers and indeed parents have a role to play. Never again must we give a blind eye on the ills carried out by our children.
The time has come for everyone to speak up and condemn all forms of social vices indulged by our young daughters. Let it be known that women are nation builders and any society where her women folk goes astray is heading no where.
As we ponder on this year's theme " Be Bold For Change". Women must have a positive change. It should be for the good of our society.
Privileged women in the society must rise up and speak for the lowly heard, the weak, the oppressed and the physically challenged in the society, irrespective of creed, tribe or political affiliation.
We desire to see a nation and indeed a continent that is set to produce the new breed of leaders. People of content and character, class, style, intelligence, bravity and with the fear and wisdom of God.
Be Bold For change!
Happy International Women's Day!
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.