This was the main topic of a symposium recently conducted in Lagos with the title "Women and Society."
Ola Olajumoke, director of the community agriculture department for the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, spoke at the occasion and reaffirmed the importance of women in all areas of life, especially food security, where they make up 43% of the labour force.
Isekhure Adedoyin served as the director's representative.
Ebere Okey-Onyema, the executive director of HELWEI, emphasised the important responsibilities that women play in the economic and social sectors of society.
She urged increased assistance for women working in the agro-value chain. Participants examined numerous issues, including land, credit, and misconceptions from other cultures.
Under the Women's Voice and Leadership Nig. (WVL) The project, HELWEI is carrying out the project in partnership with the Women's Rights and Health Project WRAHP) with assistance from ACTIONAID Nigeria and financing from Global Affairs Canada.
Participants from the Alimosho local government area, agricultural cooperatives like Ogbonga Cooperatives, and LASCOTA were enthusiastic and demanded clear policies to support women, particularly women with disabilities.
One of the panellists, Mavis Isokpehi, addressed the specific difficulties moms of children with special needs face. Temitope Batura also shared her experiences as a disabled person, stating that their clusters require assistance in order to operate within the agro-chain.
Agric Officer, Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Kayode Salako, expressed satisfaction that the event provided an “opportunity to learn about food security and what is needed to sustain food security.” Flourish Uduak and Sikiru- Ashade Adetutu, participants from Egbe/Idimu, said it was a good platform to network and gain new knowledge on food processing.
It was also pointed out by Ogbonga Ajao that there must be an improved engagement of youths in agriculture. They must be integrated and monitored to ensure the effective delivery of projects in food security.
Food security, which is the physical, social and economic access to nutritious food at all times, will invariably contribute to the reduction of restlessness and crimes in the nation. Empowering women in the area of food security would be contributing to addressing the SDGs of Zero Hunger and No Poverty by 2030.