Govt needs 49.1% women to increase GDP, improve economy –Women manufacturers

By Merit Ibe

Women in manufacturing business have restated the need for government to give the gender a leverage since it needs 49.1percent of women to increase the gross domestic product (GDP) and improve the economy. 

The women, who spoke with Daily Sun at the weekend, lamented  that even the National Assembly does not want to recognise the input of women in the development of the country,as demonstrated in the rejection of gender equality bills that sought to alter the Constitution at the National Assembly. This they argued has brought to the fore the need to consistently challenge the systemic ills and oppression society imposes on women.

First Female Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mrs Ekama Akpan, noted that for a woman to break even in an association or sector  dominated by men, she must be politically  combatant and men don’t like it. 

“Women are focused and are great achievers in their fields. Government needs 49.1 percent of women to help increase Nigeria’s GDP. Therefore the point is to give them a leverage.”

Pointing out some of the challenges women in the sector face, she said some times getting loans from the banks is so difficult.

“A situation where a woman will be asked to bring her husband before she is granted loan or withdrawal  is ridiculous. But for a man to get a loan it’s seamless. 

“The system and the environment are negating. Until the authorities understand that women constitute the progress of this country, it’s going to be difficult to make any move or progress. 

“Though the banks tell you they have something for women, you apply, they make it so difficult to access. They don’t cut short the system as they do for men. For some influential men, they don’t need to go to the banks, they will bring the papers to their houses or offices for signing, but for a woman, she has to struggle, use everything she has as collateral. Well, the good news is that most women don’t owe like men. They  have more integrity. When it comes to creativity, we have it.”

Akan, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Showers Group, decried a situation where there are only 10 women in the midst of 100 men, adding that the situation  was not developing the 49.1percent that women constitute.

She noted that if 30 percent of that 49.1percent are educated and are doing business, it will increase employment, reduce juvenile delinquency, because women create  massive jobs. 

“Governments in European countries understand the place of women in developing the economy,” Akan said, adding that “our government must be held responsible for the lack of success of women in business and manufacturing.

Until they change the policies to accommodate and encourage  the  women,  the economy will be problematic.

“We hold government responsible for the problems of this country, part of it is the lack of respect for women and women development.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, FAE Limited, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo said the mentality that women are meant to be seen and not to be heard is actually affecting the society and the sector. 

“Our women respect our men as Africans, but in this new age there should be gender equality in that the women can delve into any field or sector and break even. The women should not be afraid to move in, we are making it.

“Banks acknowledge it that most women don’t default in paying back loans like the men folk. Women are more dependable in business than men, because of the passion with which we do business. 

Bakare-Okeowo advised that government should make the business environment conducive for women in the sector to enjoy the business, noting that most women shy away from the sector due to the harsh business environment.

In the case of loans, government should guarantee the loans for women. It might not be easy to get collateral as women, which  is part of the requirements for loans.

“When these women get these loans, they are established, build more factories and employ more youths, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment. Women companies create more jobs.” 

She encouraged women  who want to venture into manufacturing not to be discouraged by the difficult environment, but  to strive to be part of the major drivers of the economy.