By Zainab Adeola Bakare
In a patriarchal society, where the female gender is seen to be inferior, less valuable, and limited, I tell you today that you are pregnant with a dream that needs to be unleashed. Do not limit, or restrict yourself, know that the world needs you!
Stop teenage marriage, enough of a child-bearing responsibility. At the same time, you embrace proper education and upbringing. You are an instrument of change to our society and the world. Are you a young lady worried, depressed or uncertain of what lies ahead? The lives of these powerful women should inspire you.
Hajiya Sambo Sawaba (1933-2001) She was a Nigerian women’s right activist, politician and philanthropist. A campaigner against under-aged marriage, forced labour and advocated for western education. She dropped out of school at age 13 after losing her parents and was given out in marriage to a man who disappeared after her pregnancy.
Her experience made her stand up against underage marriage, which made her “pioneer of the northern women liberation”. Hajiya Sambo was imprisoned 16 times during period she was trying to expose other women to light and also when she stood against unpaid labour and unfair taxes. These are women who impacted Africa at large. Being a school dropout didn’t limit her, she kept pushing and made sure that other females did not fall into the same pit she fell into. Even after gaining birth she didn’t get discouraged.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900-1978) was a Nigerian women rights activist, politician, and educator. She was a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and women’s emancipation.
Folorunsho Alakija: She created jobs and supported education through her oil and gas business. All of these tell us that we are people of value who should use what we have to transform and make the world a better place.
Isabel dos Santos became Africa’s richest woman through strategic investments. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela fought tirelessly against apartheid, advocating for human rights. Winnie could be regarded as a mother, a good wife and an activist.
Nigeria women in politics, I charge us today, let’s see her as a role model because her passion for change earned her the post . So, let’s work for the betterment of the country and not just being figure-head in the society.
Ladi Kwali who had no formal education but, known all over for her creative art work. She was a potter. Her consistency in what she did made her the “pioneer of African Ceramic art modernism also the first female trainee at Abuja potter centre. This also gained her global recognition. In Nigeria, her image is on the #20 note. If she had been discouraged by the fact that she was only a potter, the recognition and achievements wouldn’t have gone her way.
Whatever you find doing, do it well. Do not be defined by the community you find yourself. Consistency pays; Hard work pay. The world is waiting for you!
Bakare, a final-year student, is President of the Department of Philosophy, LASU
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