CENTRE FOR WOMEN STUDIES AND INTERVENTION AS A CONTINUATION OF MOTHER MARY WALKER’S ADVOCACY FOR THE DIGNITY AND RIGHT OF WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Women constitute about half population of Nigeria and are known to play roles as mothers, community developers or organizers and so on. Their contribution toward the economic development of societies is also more than half as compared to that of men by virtue of their dual roles in the productive and reproductive spheres. Yet their participation in formal and informal structure and processes, where decision regarding the use of societal resources generated by both men and women are made, remain insignificant. Aina (1998) observes that “Nigerian society has been patriarchal in nature which is the major feature of traditional society†(p.8). It is a structure of a set of social relations with material base which enables men to dominate women. It is a system of social stratification and differentiation on the basis of sex, which provides material advantages to male while simultaneously placing severe constraints on the roles and activities of women. In ancient Greek mythology, the woman is stereotypically portrayed as a necessary evil that man endures. The Greek philosopher, Plato, for example, rejects the existence of Hades and argues that chastisement of man is to endure woman. The thought of this classic philosopher shaped the development of patriarchy and attendant cultural norms that regulate institutionalized inequitable social relationship between man and woman and the limiting of woman’s participation in economic, social and political processes in societies. Consequently, women’s rights are impeded and opportunities for self-realization and development are limited. Centre for Women Studies and Intervention is one of the bold initiatives of concerned citizens (women religious) outside government to address the issue of marginalization, discrimination, oppression and violence against women in all forms especially by culture and poverty. This work will demonstrate the passionate activities of Centre for Women Studies and Intervention in restoring women their original dignity and wholeness and empowering them to become self-reliant and to know their natural rights as human beings created in the image and likeness of God. Thus, the centre resolved to boldly stand up and participate in the righteous work against gender inequality so as empower women in various areas. This work will bring us to see how far the centre has gone and her achievements in uplifting Nigerian women in realizing their worth, dignity, duty and rights in the society. With the aforementioned in view, this study seeks to unveil the many momentous and venerable deeds of Centre for Women Studies and Intervention toward helping Nigerian women to recover their original dignity, to “ till it and keep it†( Genesis 2:15). This exemplary social work, which at once is evidence of a Non-Governmental Organization established by women religious rising up in faith to perform their single duty, singles Centre for Women Studies and Intervention out for this comprehensive study in religion and society.