THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IBIBIO WOMEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLONIAL ECONOMY (1900-1960)

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IBIBIO WOMEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLONIAL ECONOMY (1900-1960)

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to assess the contributions of Ibibio women to the development of the colonial economy (1900-1960). A review of related literature was done and this revealed that for meaningful women in development to occur in the society, there must be changes in cultural pattern, that is, changes in discriminatory behaviour, attitudes and values. It also revealed that involving women in development is the only sure-way to the development of the society. The findings of this study revealed that a significant relationship existed between level of educational attainment and women’s contribution’s to development, women active participation in politics and their contributions to development, the existence of women oriented programmes and the contribution of women to development. Based on these findings, recommendations were made on integrating more women in development.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Women! Women!! Women!!! All over the world, governments, organisations and individuals are talking gender sensitivity. Everywhere one turns, people are becoming more aware of the need for the woman-folk to get off the back-burner and make a more visible and meaningful impact in decision-making structure and procedures.1

According to the 1991 population census, women, comprise approximately 51% of Nigerian population. Yet they continue to be ostensibly under-represented as to their views, interests and participation in the nation’s development process. Therefore, the long clamour for the full and active participation of women in all areas of national endeaviour, and particularly in the development arena, is welcome and well-founded. 2

However, like every good proposition or ideas, without the solid foundation of well thought-out and focused objectives, guidelines and methods, the women question runs the risk of becoming a caricature of the idea and therefore superficial in its reach. 3 while we call for the participation of women in development, what we often see is mere patronage. Women do not need, neither should they be content with token development crumbs condescending needed down as favours by the existing power structure, that is patronage 4.