Community-Nigerian women are living below poverty line

70% of Nigerian women are living below poverty line – Minister

by Agabus Pwanagba on July 13, 2013

terseer adamu (Review)

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, said 70% of Nigerian women are living below poverty line.

She disclosed this during her Advocacy meeting with Women, Children and other Vulnerable Groups in Jos, Pllateau state.

According to her, “Several inter-related socio-economic factors have led to poor economic status of a large segment of Nigerian women, such that 70% of people living below the poverty line are women.

“I encourage you all to work more to improve economic empowerment for women and persons with disabilities because this is the only sure way for the advancement of vulnerable groups.

Speaking on women’s increased participation and decision-making in politics, the Minister said, “Politics is said to be a game of number. Yet women’s numerical strength has not impacted positively on the political life and decision making structures of the nation, due to unfavourable political environment characterized by violence.

She maintained that, “The imbalance in political representation is so grave. Progressive agitation for 35% Affirmative Action in favour of women to bridge gender gaps in both elective and selective posts at all levels by 2015 is worthwhile experience so far, especially at the federal level where we now have 13 women as cabinet Ministers, representing 33% of the Federal Executive Council.

Zainab decried that, many Nigerian women die prematurely, especially from preventable circumstances, because of inadequate “health incentives for health personnel, ignorance and cultural taboos”.

Further lamenting, she said, “To us, it is a sad thing that, women have to die while giving birth. Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates with about 545 per 100, 000 births. It contributes 10% of the world’s maternal deaths.

“By implication, every 10 minutes, a woman dies from pregnancy related complications in Nigeria with high prevalence in rural areas.

On infant mortality rate, the Minister said, “Infant mortality is also high at 105 per 1, 000 live births with under 5 mortality rate at 178 per 1, 000”.

She called on the women to be involved, so they can begin to demand accountability for women’s health rights and expose harmful traditional practices that prevent women from accessing healthcare.

Zainab urged government at all levels to provide free maternal and child healthcare services.

Source: http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/07/13/70-of-nigerian-women-are-living-below-poverty-line-minister/