Women empowerment, gender equality critical to development, Says Prof. Zara
|By Musa Ishaq
Professor Zara Emmanuel Kwaghe, a professor of social history at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), has said that empowering women and advancing gender equality are essential to development.
Zara said this as she presented the 14th inaugural lecture of FULafia.
“Herstory in the Making of Modern Nigeria: Patriarchy, Women and the Politics of Knowledge Production,” was the title of Zara’s inaugural lecture which held at the MIS Multi-Purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.
Zara, a Professor in the Department of History and International Studies of FULafia, asserted that throughout history, the central role played by women ensured the stability, progress and long-term development of nations.
Zara posited that in the 21st century, the issues of gender balance and the need to accord women equal opportunities and allow them achieve their full potentials in the society cannot be overemphasised.
Zara argued that while progress was made to overcome the challenges faced by women in the process of making their contributions to development, plenty still remained to be done in the area of decision-making.
Zara said: “God has bequeathed both men and women the necessary potentials to fulfill their roles in the society and develop the nation. Neglecting or undermining the roles of women and emphasising male dominance and authority would counter progress and engender underdevelopment.”
Prof. Zara said that to ensure women representation in decision-making processes, the need to provide quality education to girls and women and promote gender-sensitive policies and address violence against women must not neglected.
She urged governments to implement strategies that would address cultural, societal and systemic barriers limiting the success of women.
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, earlier in his address, said that Zara was the first female to present her inaugural lecture in social history at the University.
Abdul Rahman, while congratulating Zara and her family, applauded her for “demonstrating excellent performance in her capacity as the Director of Centre for Cultural Studies in the University.”
Welcoming participants to the occasion, Prof. Josephine Odey, the Chairperson, Inaugural Lecture Committee of the University, said that Zara’s contributions to knowledge has not only added value to women folks in Nigeria and beyond but to the world at large.
She thanked the vice-chancellor for supporting the committee, commending guests for gracing the occasion.
The occasion climaxed with presentation of certificate, plaque and gift to Zara by the vice-chancellor.
