As today marks the International Women’s Day, Adamawa State leaders have called for stronger commitments to women’s empowerment, representation, and welfare, aligning with this year’s theme, “Give To Gain.”
This theme emphasises the importance of deliberate efforts by governments, institutions, and individuals to make real progress on gender equality, highlighting that investing in women’s safety, rights, and leadership benefits society as a whole.
Women constitute nearly 49 to 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population and, like all citizens, seek fundamental rights, opportunities, and protections. Across Nigeria, women share common goals of equal participation in governance, better access to education and healthcare, and improved economic prospects.
In commemorating the day, Kate Raymond Mamuno, representing Demsa Constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, stressed the need to increase women’s participation in politics.
Mamuno linked this to the proposed Special Seats Bill (HB.1349), which aims to boost women’s representation in political offices, especially in Nigeria’s National Assembly and state legislatures.
Currently, Mamuno is the only female lawmaker in the 25-member and the Majority leader Adamawa State Assembly, and she described Nigerian women’s political representation as grossly inadequate.
She pointed out that women make up only about 4% of the National Assembly, a clear sign of underrepresentation.
“Many state assemblies have very few or no female lawmakers. Here in Adamawa, I am the only woman among 25 members. We are asking for just three seats for women in every state, which would make a significant difference,” she said.
She explained that the legislation proposes creating additional seats to ensure more women can participate in governance.
“This includes one extra Senate seat for women in each state and the FCT, and one additional House of Representatives seat for women in each state and the FCT. Our demands are simple and reasonable,” Mamuno added.
“Women are not seeking to overpower men by requesting additional seats in government. Rather, these proposed seats are specifically designated for women and are not meant to be contested by men. The proposal includes three reserved seats in the State House of Assembly and one seat each in the Senate and the House of Representatives”
She emphasized that this initiative is aimed at improving women’s representation and ensuring their voices are more effectively included in the legislative process.
Beyond political representation, she emphasised the need for improved healthcare and family support systems for women, noting that access to affordable healthcare, maternal health services, family planning, and reproductive health are vital for women and families.
Mamuno praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for prioritising women’s safety and welfare, particularly through establishing specialised mother-and-child healthcare facilities to reduce maternal and child mortality.
She further noted that he is the only governor in the history of Adamawa State to appoint the state’s first female Chief Judge. He also selected the first female Deputy Governor in the Northeast and appointed 21 female vice chairpersons across the state.
According to her, it is also noteworthy that Governor Fintiri introduced a policy providing free education and enrollment opportunities for girls in the state, a move aimed at strengthening girl-child education and promoting gender inclusion.
Neido Kofulto, Commissioner for the Adamawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, highlighted access to education as a major challenge, especially for girls in northern Nigeria.
Kofulto stressed that equal access to primary, secondary, and higher education is essential for empowering women and supporting their contributions to national development.
She also emphasised the importance of economic opportunities, stating that fair employment and economic inclusion would greatly improve social and economic outcomes nationwide.
By empowering women through education, employment, and social support, she argued, families and the nation will benefit, fostering growth and stability.
Gender expert Wesley Falda categorise women’s needs into two groups, each facing distinct challenges at different societal levels.
She pointed out that grassroots women often face illiteracy, a lack of skills, and limited business opportunities.
Support such as empowerment programs, skills training, and access to education is urgently needed for this group, enabling them to support their families and contribute to economic growth.
The second group includes educated women, who mainly seek equal chances in employment, leadership, and politics.
“Only women who hold positions of authority truly understand what other women need. When women occupy leadership roles, it becomes easier to identify and address those needs,” she said.
Regarding this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” Wesley said it reflects women’s nature. “Women are multipliers; what you give to a woman yields abundant returns,” she added.
As celebrations continue worldwide, stakeholders reaffirm that this year’s International Women’s Day message is clear: societies that invest in women’s empowerment build stronger communities, promote inclusive governance, and achieve sustainable development.
