By Henry Uche
Mrs. Bose Ironsi parades an enviable resume. She is the Executive Director & Founder of Women’s Rights and Health Project, a trained nurse/midwife and psychologist. She has been in the business of promoting women’s and community health and development.
And for her, any society that desires to live in peace must make concerted effort to address the forces behind drug abuse, girl child violation and other societal ills, as well as inculcating good values in their youths.
She told Daily Sun in a recent interview of how Nigerians can navigate through this difficult period of socio-economic and political uncertainties as well as other issues.
As woman of many parts, what grounds have you broken and what do you intend to achieve going forward?
We have deconstructed some stereotypes that affect women or cultural belief systems do not give them opportunity to contribute to societal development. We engaged the community to understand laws as they affect them. Policies and how they are implemented is cause to worry about. So, my entry point has always been engagement, do research to know the practices militating against women and vulnerable groups, children and people living with disability. Then simplify those laws, sadly many people are not aware of these norms.
The whole concept is all about giving power to people in the community. You breed a critical mass of people within the community to be able to respond to their own issues.
A lot can be done. Ireti Young Leadership Program is not just for old school, but even the youth out of school. We make them see themselves as new agents of social change in the society, so that they are not used for the interest of the selfish people in the society. We are building their skills to recognize opportunities on their own to understand their weaknesses and opportunities within in the society so that they can engage, since they have a lot of capacity and energy, we must direct those energy to positive paths. We are also looking at their sexual and reproductive health rights issues. Sometimes we close eyes to this. We are quick to blame. No, what is the root cause of most of these issues? If we are able to handle the root cause, and tackle it, the better for us. We need to give them space to express themselves. If they tell you what is happening, you will would be left with no option than to give them what I call ‘The power back to them’
We need to guide them but let them be able to take decisions on their own and learn by mistakes, out of their mistakes and they will change. So these are factors at Ireti Resource Center is a place where schools are beginning to call me for excursion to learn about human rights. We amplify voices of the vulnerable in the community to speak out against any form of violence and making them know that they can also partake in the process of seeking justice for any members of their community
As psychologist, how do you think that Nigerians can outlive these excruciating season of economic uncertainties?
Nigerians need to acknowledge the fact that this state of economic retrogression is a global issue. Nigerians should show a greater sense of responsibility while dealing with their basic needs. It is time for revaluation of our needs in order of priority. Nigerians should understand that in this economic crisis, they should put into consideration the importance of their mental and physical wellbeing while dealing with their everyday life.
We should avoid situations unnecessary conflict and make plans for more than one stream of income. They should see this time as a chance to learn and develop one’s skills and not as a setback.
Given your international exposure, what impact has your organisation made in Nigeria to curb gender -based assaults, violence and sexual harassment?
I have been able to pick important tools in curbing gender based violence and related issues in Nigeria. These tools have taught me the trends and best global practices put in place to address SGBV issues at the grassroots level. I have built networks and enhanced my leadership capacity to enable me implement programs that addresses policy formulation and program implementation in handling these cases in Nigeria.
As a trained administrator and project development expert, what are your words of advice to our female legislators at both federal and state Assemblies?
Our female legislators should see themselves as mentors and leaders for other women in the society. They are expected to break all barriers and do things differently to stand out from their other male counterparts. Competence, integrity and dedication should be their primary focus while serving in these offices. They should also provide opportunities for other women to shine.
You are involved in documenting violence against women during armed conflict, what has changed and is there any prospect?
In my opinion, not much has changed. However, an increased number of women are now involved in the process of rehabilitation and reintegration of the survivors into the society. Some international organizations are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that issues about women are brought to the limelight. Discussions and engagement are on top gear. But the area that doesn’t go down well with me is culture. For instance when a woman is sexually abused, the process of reintegration is very difficult, even when they do, it’s not properly done because of culture. The husband of such woman sees her as a different person. But I think there are prospect we shall get there.
As a field coordinator with Community Life Project, how far has this impacted on women especially in the socio-economic and political space?
Over the years especially post-Beijing, a lot of positive things have taken place as regards to women emancipation and participation in socio-political spaces. Women in present time have more opportunities and access to different sectors that were predominantly occupied by men. Nowadays, women’s rights are put in the spotlight and individuals are more informed about the presence and importance of these rights. The participation and importance of women in socio-political spaces have drastically changed for the better. Nigeria has so many powerful women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, late Dora Akunyili, who are clear examples of the extent to which the propagation of women’s rights has been successful and impactful. Though, more need to be done despite policies designed for the protection of women’s rights and needs, proper implementation and reforms are still lacking.
Can you give us a clue into the question of “Why youths are engaged in the problem of drug abuse?
The availability of these drugs and their daily engagement are major factors contributing to this issue. The more access youths have to drugs, chances are that they would indulge in it more. Everyone especially the government should find ways to engage and provide opportunities for youths to develop and participate in the development process of the country. This can be achieved by providing trainings, job opportunities, adequate parenting and creative and enabling facilities. To make them actively engaged in productive activities.
Having served as the State Coordinator for UNDC 2001/2002, Research on Drug Use among street children and commercial sex workers, these two vices (Drug & sex merchandise) still persist, what do you think is the best way to deliver young people involved?
Working with these organizations was an eye opener for me. When we look at drug use and drug abuse, we are always quick to condemn the people that are using the drugs but we are not looking at those who are the people supplying same to the student. How do they get access to these drugs? So until you realize that it is a kind of a cartel kind, we have people constantly supplying this drug because there is gain, you know, I think, we should lay emphasis on prevention, rather than looking at the symptoms of why the youths engage in illicit acts. If these hard substances are not available, they will think better and productivity. The socioeconomic and political environments is polluted because we are not channeling their energy rightly, they are left to make their choices.
Everybody is running helter skelter for money. I think there are no more role model and mentorship in the society any longer. Why would a child kill another to make money? It’s because they see people making money. But if you see people doing good work, or seeing people taught to be hard working, you don’t have to kill to make money, they would change.
The social media is also not helping matters. Though not entirely bad, but it is affecting them dangerously. For sex merchandise, there are factors responsible for it. A case in hand was when a woman was sent out of family after the husband demise because she had no male child, they believe that she’s responsible, so it’s a cycle of abuse. When you don’t appreciate the girl child, in the family, in school, on the street, place of work, what do you expect? Women are used for all kinds of adverts, sadly.
Peer pressure is another issue but we can’t watch them languish, nor label them with all kinds of names. Let’s try to engage and gradually withdraw them from toxic influences by making the environment safe for productive activities. All hands must be on deck.