Women and Developmental Strides in Contemporary Igbo Society

Abstract

Women in contemporary society have been neglected in policy and decision-making in most African nations,  specially Nigeria. The task of nation building requires the participation of all regardless of their race, 
ethnicity or gender in the creation of a strong state. The challenge of balancing between the need for unity and the recognition for diversity in the course of nation building is manifest not just in the interaction between Nigerians of different racial and ethnic backgrounds but also between the different genders. This important milestone provides the opportunity to reflect on the role of women in nation building and thus the education that women should receive in order to prepare them to effectively contribute to nation building. This paper reflects on this by addressing the questions: What makes woman “woman”? And, What type of education does she need so as to make that unique contribution to nation building and sustenance that only her can make? This affirmative action was necessary to remedy many years of inequality manifest by the lack of gender parity in education and access to religious, social, economic and political opportunities. While acknowledging the efforts made by various parties we must also admit that, it marks only the beginning in so 
far as the task for women now lies ahead of them. It anchors on sociological approach in its data collection and analysis. A lot more still needs to be done to ensure the full participation of women in the political and economic lives of their countries. Women having gained access to positions of decision making must now contribute to the task of nation building.