In
Shakespeare's works, many female characters are portrayed as being manipulated,
if not controlled outright by the men in their lives as fathers, uncles,
suitors, husbands. Therefore, Shakespeare's works appear to send mixed singles
regarding the notion of female empowerment.
Empowerment
has multiple, interrelated and interdependent dimensions, economically,
socially, culturally and politically. It can be understood in relation to
resources, perception, relationship and power. But what does women empowerment
mean?
Women
empowerment is generally hinged on but not limited to women sense of self worth;
their rights to have the power and control their own lives, both within and
outside home and their ability to influence the direction of social change to
create a just social and economic order nationally, internationally and
universally.
The
Nigerian nation state has been one sordid tale of irony. Due to a strong patriarchal
hold, women have been on the receiving end of inequality and consequently,
Nigeria has suffered. Statistics have revealed a lack of participation in
governance by women. A staggering 92.7 percent the seats in the Nigerian senate
are occupied by men. In the National House of Assembly, the figure is much
higher – 93.9%.
More
statistics reveal how women have not been included in public discourse. Of 26
Ministers, 20 are men, 93.6 % of Parliamentary seats, 94.5% of state house of
assembly, 96.5% of permanent secretaries and 90.8% of Directorates have been
occupied by men.
In
our own view, this needs to be addressed and paid close attention but in
view of this, women need to be ready and build themselves to capacity so when given the chance, they can excel. This is why WEEC is dedicated to strengthening the female voice through our activities.
WEEC!!
God bless the the vision and mission of WEEC.
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