The Positive Contributions of Women in Building The Nigerian Economy.

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INTRODUCTION:

The present economic situation in Nigeria requires the contribution of every citizen to make it work. Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa. We must admit that our country is experiencing significant economic growth and transformation, although there are also monumental economic challenges facing the nation. In our journey towards economic prosperity, we women have been playing vital roles.

In this article, I will delve into the multifaceted contributions of women in Nigeria's economic landscape and shed light on their influence in various sectors.

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is defined as the growing of crops and rearing of animals for human consumption and income generation. The Agricultural sector of the economy influences food security, raw materials for local and international industries, exportation and also the financial sector.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria's economy. Women contribute significantly to this sector. Women serve not only as laborers but also as smallholder farmers. By this they play a pivotal role in ensuring food security.

WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Most Nigerian women are good entrepreneurs. You will see them in marketing, you will see them in skill acquisition, you will see them in manufacturing, and many more. In recent years, Nigerian women have made substantial inroads into entrepreneurship. They have established businesses, from small-scale enterprises to large corporations. Of the truth, Nigerian women have shown remarkable resilience in the face of economic challenges.

WOMEN IN POLITICS AND POLICY
Initially, women in Nigeria didn't see the need for their involvement in politics. But in recent times, there has been remarkable interest shown by our women in politics. We now have women getting registered into political parties and even vying for elected positions. Women's involvement in politics and policy-making is vital for a well-rounded economy. Nigerian women are increasingly active in this arena. They have also arisen to advocate for policies that promote economic growth and gender equality.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Science and Technology makes a lot of impact in today's economic development. We should not make the mistake of thinking that women are insignificant in this aspect. In Nigeria, so many women have made an impact in this sector. Most of the internet space of several corporations are coordinated by smart brilliant ladies. So, Nigerian women are making an impact in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They are breaking barriers and contributing to technological innovations and research.

WOMEN IN FINANCE AND BANKING
When I get to banks I see a lot of young vibrant ladies handling one rule or the other. There are many of them as bank managers. So, the financial sector of the Nigerian economy has received significant influence from women. It has seen a growing presence of women in various roles, from tellers to executives. They have brought fresh perspectives, diversifying the financial landscape.

WOMEN IN EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Skills and creativity have been one of the major drives of the Nigerian economic system. Why I assert this is because there have been significant unemployment indices in the Nigerian economy. Many graduates don't get white collar jobs. So, most of us have taken to artisanship to sustain ourselves. This makes the economic system of Nigeria to be based on artisanship skills and creativity. In this aspect women are also on the forefront. You see them in creative arts, productions, designing, etc.
Education is the foundation of a strong workforce. Women in Nigeria are playing essential roles in education and skills development. They are nurtured to become the nation's future professionals and entrepreneurs.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN INFORMAL ECONOMIES
Women also play vital roles in Nigeria's informal economy which is vast and diverse. They are often central in these activities. Their contributions range from petty trading to artisanal work. They are service deliverers at the grassroots and manufacturer of most local recipes.

WOMEN AS CONSUMERS AND DECISION-MAKERS
Women are significant consumers and household decision-makers. Their purchasing power influences various industries and marketing strategies. It is the women that decide what the home needs for smooth running at certain times. This translates into women influencing product consumption in the economic system.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
Despite their remarkable contributions, women in Nigeria face several challenges. These include gender-based discrimination, limited access to finance facilities, and societal expectations. These issues should be address for continued progress.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND SUPPORT FOR WOMEN
There have been positive steps taken by the Nigerian government to empower women economically. Various programs and policies have been introduced to facilitate their participation in the workforce and entrepreneurship. We are only soliciting that the coordinators of such programs should ensure that it gets to the women as proposed.

In conclusion, to fully harness the economic potential of Nigerian women, there is a need for continued efforts to remove gender-related barriers, provide equal opportunities, and promote women's leadership in all sectors of the economy. The role of women in Nigeria's economic landscape is dynamic and ever-expanding. As entrepreneurs, professionals, decision-makers, and innovators, they are contributing significantly to the country's growth and development.