Nigeria awaits Strength of a Woman

Rebecca Ejifoma

Women have been, over time, the casualties of the ills in the society. They are defined as the weaker vessels. Their counterparts even label them the misfortunes of homes and anything sinister.

No doubt, observations show that even women condemn other women who try to mount the stages of greatness in life. This can be seen in politics, marriages, education, and in offices among others.

Today, however, artists alongside individuals have sworn to prosecute such negative tags attached to the women.

Therefore, to portray women on the positive side, a daring group of two, GabAwusa and Mrs Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce in collaboration with ECOWA, is set for 'Strength of a Woman' exhibition in Abuja come March next year.

Speaking to THISDAY in Lagos recently, the Executive Director of Echoes of Women in Africa (ECOWA), Ms. Louisa Ono Eikhomum, said many women have been barred from getting to the peak of their careers.

"Women are usually the first to condemn each other. They point fingers at each other everywhere. Many homes have been broken as a result of the unbearble attitudes of many mothers-in-law make life miserable for their daughters-in-law," she decried.

Recounting her experience as a victim of domestic violence, Eikhomum said it was a devastating moment for her. She said she wore the shoes of pain alone. Hence, she wishes no woman such trauma.

"Women should be their sisters’ keeper and quit betraying one another." Adding, she further urged the society to desist from using the word 'House wife' to address women who work hard at home -  caring for their families. "Instead they should be called 'Home Managers'."

Meanwhile renowned fine artist and Social Director, Guild of Professional Fine Artists (GFA) of Nigeria, Mr. Gabriel Awusa, enthused that he is one of a million.

"My orientation differs from most Nigerian men. I don’t believe and perceive that the woman’s strength lies in their physical endowment even though I have unconsciously portrayed this in my artworks."

Interestingly, he added: "I don’t hold the view that the male is superior to the female intellectually, as I depicted in my last solo exhibition titled: Memories of Elizabeth, which was held last year at TerraKulture Art Gallery."

GabAwusa, as he is fondly called, stressed that on reading his statement, he is certain most men would conclude him “woman-wrapper” (a popular Nigerian saying). But he is not bothered. “My experience of the exhibition has awakened in me a curiosity about women."

Gab, who spoke more on the strength, weakness, and bondage of womanhood, dedicates that 'Strength of a Woman' to women worldwide. "Our  findings from this discussion will form the exhibition," he assured.

Explaining further, the Edo born edge-breaker and female artist, Maja-Pearce, expounded that having worked with gender-based NGOs in the past, it was easy to call on ECOWA.

From her words, she said that ECOWA is in a better spot to reel to them on current issues concerning gender sensitivity in the country.

"Gender sensitivity is not rampant in the visual art sector like in other professions. Albeit female artists suffer some setbacks, such as sexual harassment from some of their male clients, family life and patronage, which the male artists enjoy," she decried.

Therefore, together, the trio made bold that the exhibition would tailor the definition of women across the globe. It promises to display hundreds of art pieces on the theme.