Womens Economic Rights> (no subject)

[Patience Elabor - Idemudia <idemudia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear all,
     This note is to congratulate the organizers of the Women's Economic
Rights in Nigeria e-conference. I have read most of the comments from
various contributors about the need to address the issues of social,
political, economic and cultural injustices confronting women in Nigeria.
Various suggestions made by contributors for ameliorating the situation
included empowerment, education, employment opportunities, valuation of
women's invisible work both in the household and informal sector, the
provision of micro-credit facilities and challenging oppressive practices
that are performed under the guise of tradition. These suggested solutions
are good and worthwhile but the question of implementation is pertinent in
an environment where women continue to be devalued.
     The multi-facetted issues confronting women in Nigeria have to be
challenged from all fronts by various interest groups including men and
women, as well as various arms of government. There is nothing natural
about women's marginalization and subordination since the factors
contributing to such conditions are socially constructed. If and when there
is a will, these oppressive social structures can be re-constructed and
renegotiated to benefit all irrespective of gender, social class or
ethnicity.  This will need to involve getting inputs from all marginalized
groups particularly women from all social classes, ethnicities and age
groups in order to ensure that their interests are represented. I am
convinced that this conference serves as a starting point for making
women's voices heard.  Thanks for a job well done. I look forward to seeing
a copy of the final document.

Patience Elabor-Idemudia, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Sociology Department
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Sk. S7N 5A5
Canada