NAN-ELS-2
Lecture
By Vezi Isike
Lagos, Oct. 20, 2015 (NAN) Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Abuja, says the development of a society is dependent on the level of empowerment bestowed on women.
Evwierhoma made the assertion at a one-day public lecture and exhibition which at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos on Tuesday.
The event which was organised by the “Association for the Advancement of Women in Culture (AA-WIC), has the theme, “Nigerian Women in Development: A Rethink of the Socio-Political and Cultural Imperatives’’.
She said that in recent times, women had seriously engaged in political activities which should also impact and sustain the culture, norms and values of any society.
“Women’s associations should have internal democracies that will prepare them to participate in electoral politics to engender cultural initiatives.
“It is evident that women play a great role in ensuring democracy within the unwritten codes of local demeanour.
“The welfare of communities have become a priority and directly or indirectly women are duty-bound to help families and governments to achieve what seemed impossible for them,’’ he don said.
She applauded the crucial aspirations of AA-WIC, and urged them to tackle underdevelopment through their activities as a women’s association ensuring empowerment of all.
“I wager that the concern with culture and strengthening of society has propelled AA-WIC to approach this challenge, starting with women, youths and children.
“Women’s empowerment and their participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society in decision-making process, and access to power, are fundamental to achieving equality, development and peace in a nation.’’
Evwierhoma recommended that AA-WIC should push for African sophistication and redirect our young generations of women to the reliability of culture as a means of retooling social organisations.
“Women are germane to cultural administration and the time to build consensus among women in the public service generally and in the culture sector, is now,’’ she said.
NAN reports that AA-WIC was formed on June 30, 2015, as a professional body to bring together women in the field of culture and all its related bodies.
AA-WIC aims to foster relationships among women in the creative industry, helping them to exchange ideas that could lead to the improvement of their art and craft. (NAN)
VOI/NCI/ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)