By ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
As part of the activities to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD), the Zaria Chapter of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) has hailed the efforts of the wives of officers in the frontlines for their steadfastness in keeping the home-front as one unit.
The Officers Wives revealed that the chapter is set to equip 300 including their children with vocational skills of their choice.
Mrs Saratu Aminu Chinade, Coordinator of the Chapter, made this known during NAOWA’s celebration of the IWD in Zaria saying that the theme of #BreaktheBias is apt as many women whose men are currently far away in the North-east and parts of the North-west fighting terrorism and rural banditry are facing double-invisibility in the scheme of things.
“It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the women whose husbands are currently in the battlefield and other theatre operations in the country. Some of these women have neither seen nor heard from their husbands for almost a year yet they have remained strong taking care of the family.
“Our case as Officers’ wives is peculiar. The bias to celebrate the victories of our men without mentioning us is even more bias. This is because we are the one that goes through the fear and trauma; and worse face the possible demise of our very gallant husbands.
“Our Queen Mother, the National President of NAOWA, Mrs Salamatu Farouk Yahaya, who herself is doing a lot to ensure that Officers’ wives as well as family are strong, has tasked us to go the extra mile to ensure that the wives and children of serving officers are comfortable. As a chapter, we have lined up many programmes.
“This year’s IWD is themed: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Break the Bias. For this reason, and following the directive of our Queen Mother, we are set to train 300 women including Officers’ children on any vocational study of choice; especially the ones that women/girls have never attempted: she said.
On her part, the Deputy Coordinator of NAOWA, Zaria chapter, Mrs Fawole, charged the women to acquire relevant skills by registering for the vocational programmes saying that these skills may be needed to sustain the home-front in the nearest future“It is important that we break the bias that restricts us from acquiring skills. Gone forever are the days where our rights and abilities are downplayed. Over the years, we have proven that there is no limit to how far we can go. If for anything, our Queen Mother, Mrs Salamatu Farouk Yahaya, the NAOWA National President has given us that charge. Let us put it to use”, she stated.While emphasising the need to ensure morality, dignity and self reliance the Chief Whip stated that women are the carriers of family virtues and by extension national virtue noting that all must be done to open up the spaces for more women participation in decision making. For the public relations officer, Hajiya Murjanatu Suleiman-Shika, the IWD offers opportunity for the world to reflect on the contributions of women to development saying that the tag should be changed to International Women’s Month instead of singling out a day.
