Dr. Zainab Marwa, founder of Aspire Women Forum, a non-governmental organisation, has attributed systemic gender inequality as a primary cause of poverty among Nigerian women, particularly in the North Central region.
In her paper, “The Intersectionality of Poverty and Gender in North Central Nigeria,” Marwa noted that poverty persisted among women in spite of numerous intervention programmes.
As guest lecturer at the Federal University, Lokoja’s 9th Distinguished Public Lecture, on Tuesday, Marwa expressed regret over the lingering issue.
“Imagine a land where resources are plentiful, yet those who toil hardest remain the most deprived. In North Central Nigeria, this paradox is a daily reality for millions of women.
“While the region boasts a rich cultural heritage and abundant resources, its women are trapped in poverty, working tirelessly with scant reward for their labour.
“These women face not only economic hardship but also a web of systemic inequalities that stifle their progress, diminish their potential, and exacerbate their struggles,” she lamented.
She cited statistics from reputable sources, highlighting the disparities faced by women.
“According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2020), 70 per cent of Nigerians below the poverty line are women. In North Central Nigeria, the poverty rate among women stands at 57.3 per cent, compared to 45.5 per cent among men.
“Furthermore, women face significant education barriers, with a literacy rate of 59.3 per cent versus 74.4 per cent for men (UNDP, 2020). Only 21 per cent of women are engaged in paid employment (ILO, 2020).
“These statistics underscore the restricted opportunities and lost potential that women face.”
Marwa emphasised that cultural norms in predominantly Muslim areas often prioritize early marriage for girls, limiting their educational opportunities.
“Women from rural communities face significant barriers to land ownership due to traditional inheritance laws favoring male relatives. In urban settings, low-income women struggle to access quality healthcare. ”
She highlighted how factors like ethnicity, marital status, and location impacted women’s experiences of poverty.
“For instance, a widowed rural woman faces different challenges than a married urban woman, affecting their access to resources and risk of violence.
“Women in North Central Nigeria experience compounded poverty effects, facing economic exclusion and cultural marginalization that diminishes their voices and overlooks their contributions.
“In spite of their efforts, women remain largely invisible in their communities, perpetuating poverty and disempowerment.”
To address these challenges, Marwa advocates for urgent implementation of effective anti-poverty programmes with a multi-faceted approach.
She recommended that the key strategies include: vocational training and skills development programmes, community-based initiatives and improved healthcare access.
Others, she said are programmes promoting financial inclusion and essential services and : expanding access to essential services.
“By implementing these strategies, we can create a supportive ecosystem empowering women to break the poverty cycle and build a brighter future.
