Every 8th of March has become a day to celebrate and appreciate the strength of womanhood in the areas of political, economic and social sphere. It has also snowballed to be an avenue to highlight the myriads of challenges and adversities against their gender, roles, rights and health. This day, strong political awareness, social engagement and advocacy are usually employed to showcase to the world all what womanhood encompasses. 

 

It all started in 1909; February 8th precisely when the Socialist Party of America organised a Women's Day to commemorate the 'Uprising of 20,000' of the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union which was held a year before. Two years after, the first truly International Women's Day (IWD) was held on the 19th of March, 1911 after the Women's Day of 1909 in United States of America. The first IWD was preceded by an International Women Conference in August, 1910 where the German Socialist Luise Zietz proposed a day for women with idea of promoting equal rigts and suffrage for women. The United Nations did not start sponsoring the day until 1975, the year tagged the Internaional Women's Year.

 

 

The nations of the world that placed prime vlue and importance on the female gender had ever since continue to appreciate and commemorate the day and improving the life of the women. Notably, the month of March was tagged 'Women History Month' in 2011 by the immediate Past President of United State of America, Barack Obama to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the day in USA, challenging Americans to reflect on the extra-ordinary ccomplishments of women in shaping the country's history. In Australia, a commemorative 20 cents was produced for the centenary anniversary. However, it is appalling that mostt governments in Africa do not give  the day the deserved and needed promotion. The 2011 centenary celebration left a sour taste in the mouth of Egyptian women as hundreds of men gathered , molested, beat and distrupted the planned procession by women at the Tahrir Square in the presence of the military and the police. In Tehran, the asian country of Iran in 2007, the police beat hundreds of women, arrested and detained many of them for celebrating the IWD. A tale of two fates! 

 

The socio-political and economic roles of nigerian women towards national developmeent is enormous but largely not given the commensurate celebration, adulation and recognition. The most recent of such heart rendering shabby treatment was the way the female national football team, the Super Falcons were given demeaning treatment after winning the female African Nations Cup for the record eighth time. It took them to withold the trophy before the government could give them their dues.

 

Nigerian women are ingenious,  intelligent, savvy,  patriotic, incurable optimist and have contributed immensely towards national development. History can not forget Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti as a leading activist during Nigerian women anti-colonial struggles nor Margaret Ekpo who was a pioneering female politician during the Nigerian first republic. Many Nigerian women are shining stars in their chosen professions. Professor Bolanle Awe, Grace Allele-Williams, Flora Nwakpa, Bukky Ajayi, Chimamanda Adichie among others are combination of beauty nd the brain. These angelic creatures deserve celebration everyday and especially on a day like the International Women's Day.

 

The theme for this year is 'Be Bold for Change'. This topic is apt, timely and relevant, at a time when the slogan of the government of the day is change. It is a call to order as the slogan is turning to a mere mantra without visible actions towards desired change. There is need for Nigeria as a nation to change for better in the area of policy development and implementation that will address the inequalities against our women.

 

Nigerian women deserve celebration,  even in death, most especially when they pay the utmost price of their life. Stella Adadevoh became a martyr when she contracted Ebola from the index case; Mr Patrick Sawyer, a Liberia-born American by physically restraining him from jumping admission and quarrantine. This singular act of bravery prevented wide spread transmission and outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria but it cost her life! It is therefore not out of place for the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour thisnational heroine and martyr. Let Nigerian government take a cue from nations that placed premium value on their women and bestow a Posthumous National Honour on her for her bravery. This year edition of the International Women's Day is another opportunity and avenue to do this. I wish Nigerian women the boldness to bring about the positive change as they celebrate the 2017 International Women's Day.

 

Dele Atiba

08063264061

[email protected]

for Stella Adadevoh Support Group

facebook page: STELLA ADADEVOH SUPPORT GROUP - SASG

@stellaadadevoh.sg