In Nigeria today, women are subjected to social control and dominated by men in every aspect of leadership and political power. This is as a result of persisting cultural stereotype and misuse of religious and traditional practices. As Africans, women are taught to be followers of men and the men see themselves as leaders of women. Till this very moment, gender equality is still a great issue of concern in Nigeria as women’s rights are not looked upon as important or given much attention as their male counterparts. However, the attainment of gender equality is a prerequisite for the achievement of sustainable development and national security in Nigeria.
The media is powerful. It can reach millions of people every day. Television, radio and newspapers are broadcasting media through which important messages of change can be used to alter the minds of individuals all over the country. Subsequently, how the media portrays women in education, politics, and social status can help promote gender equality and women empowerment in the country. This is because the media has proved to be an agent of change and a means to make government take action immediately. Now the question is, how can the media promote gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria?
One of the ways the media can help promote gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria is by showcasing women as powerful. The whole world should know that our women are just as powerful, sound, competitive and intelligent as the men. The idea that women are weaker vessels should be erased from the mind of the audience by celebrating and giving recognition to women who have achieved great works of change in their various field of life. These women should be seen as role models and be put in a good light. When a female governorship or presidential candidate steps up to compete, she should be given the necessary media attention as her male opponent. She shouldn’t be mocked or deemed incapable until she has proved herself.
Also, another way the media can help promote gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria is by encouraging the advocacy of women’s right and broadcasting women’s empowerment programmes. In Nigeria today, many women do not know their rights and thereby wallow in ignorance and suffer at the hands of domineering employers, partners and colleagues. The media can help educate them to know that they have certain rights and how to take advantage of them. The media should also put in place women’s empowerment programmes in their belt to empower women to get educated, learn skills and foster Entrepreneurship so as to help and better themselves.
In conclusion, empowering a woman means empowering a nation. This is because children can learn from their mothers who play a key role in their lives. There is a need to place high importance in actualizing gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria. Women should be given the attention they deserve and who knows, we could one day have a female president in Nigeria.
SOPHIA'S BLOG 