By Charles Abere
It has been established that generalized development policies have not favoured women as such policies are often tailored toward men,while the women are sidelined in all aspects of the policies, including implementation, evaluation and benefits.
Hence, a women-focused policy programme will reduce the chances of its being hijacked by the privileged men in power and bureaucrats.
This was part of the recommendations made by an inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Grace Modupe Adebo while delivering the 74th inaugural lecture of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.
With the topic; “De-Escalating Grassroot Gender Poverty: Imperatives For Sustainable Rural Development Agenda In Nigeria”, the Don said exclusion of women who ought to be the major beneficiaries of the policies, from the decision-making points was the major flaw in all previous rural development programmes.
Professor Adebo, noted that the necessity for de-escalating grassroots gender poverty stems from the fact that women are a disadvantaged group compared with men. She stressed that women and men have differing needs due to their different roles and responsibilities, particularly, their unequal access to and control over resources. Adding that women constitute many of the poor and are often the poorest of the poor.
The Professor of Gender and Rural Development further stated that Nigerian women are the most marginalized in the decision-making process, employment, economic opportunities and access to credit. Saying that the 1999 constitution of Nigeria took cognizance of the disadvantaged position of women but made no provision for gender equality.
Professor Modupe Adebo, said that participatory inclusion of women is therefore required to enable them to participate in decisions bordering on their fate and future.
“Since poverty in Nigeria has a predominantly feminine face, arising from their poor material/economic status, the generality of rural women are wallowing in want. They lack the economic capacity to live a good life or engage in sustainable farming and other life-enhancing economic activities”.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Edward Olanipekun said he’s actually fascinated by the topic of the lecture and Commended the husband of the inaugural lecturer for giving her the necessary support.
The inaugural lecture was well attended by friends, colleagues family, friends and well wishers.