By Our Reporter
A Professor of Social History, Department of History and International Studies at the Federal University of Lafia ( FULafia), Zara Kwaghe has advised female scholars to write more on the contributions made by women to the growth and development of the society.
Prof Kwaghe gave the advice while delivering her inaugural lecture entitled, ” Herstory in the Making of Modern Nigeria: Patriarchy, Women and the Politics of Knowledge Production ” held at the Federal University of Lafia, ( FULafia) on Tuesday.
She said that women have challenged stereotypes and sexism , demonstrating their strengths amidst the numerous challenges they face due to their gender and should be encouraged to tell their stories.
According to the Professor, patriarchy which is perpetuated through different socio- cultural practices such as child marriage, female restrictions, widowhood rites, gender stereotypes , subjugation among others have restricted women from their ambitions to excel.
Kwaghe stated that, for women to break away from such challenges that limit their ability, they must be encouraged to write herstory; understanding that in every history, there is the female perspective, in which telling it her way ( herstory), was crucial for national development.
” Women are in a better position to tell their experiences. No one can tell it better than the one who experiences it.
“Balarabe Ramat Yakubu is a good example of a woman who has written her life stories which is a statement against child marriage as well as a plea for girls education.
” As women continue to write their experiences and that of other women, in no distant time, a knowledge bank would be created and ready for harvest.
” There are some extraordinary female role models that history is largely silent on. These women die without their stories being recorded.
” It is not enough to just write, women should tell their children, especially the male child at home, stories of both outstanding and the ordinary everyday women whose invaluable contributions keep the society moving. That way they will learn to appreciate the roles and contributions of women in the society.
” Also, social and gender norms that place a value on education of girls and promote boys’ preference should be discouraged.
” Insecurity, including attacks on schools and abduction of school children as well gender based violence at school should be discouraged in order to avoid attrition of girls and early marriage”, she said.
The Professor therefore called on government at all levels to support the passing of bills that promote women’s rights in order to bridge the gaps that had existed over time.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of FuLafia, Prof Shehu Abdul Rahman said the Professor of Social History was the first of the kind in the University to deliver her inaugural lecture.
Abdul Rahman said the event was an opportunity for the inaugural lecturer to share knowledge, discoveries and even personal journey in the field of Social History with scholars and other stakeholders of the university.
“Professor Zara is a very hard-working academic who is currently demonstrating excellent performance in her capacity as the Director of Centre for Cultural Studies in this University.
“She is a mentor and a mother to all her students who loves her profession and students. She is a visionary person and a fantastic teacher who always show interest in the progress of her students,” he said.
He congratulated Prof Kwaghe, the Department of History and the Faculty of Arts on the achievement.
The inaugural lecture entitled “Herstory in the Making of Modern Nigeria: Patriarchy, Women and the Politics of Knowledge Production” was the 14th inaugural lecture series of the University.