The Northern woman’s mindset needs a total overhaul

A 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow and member, Mandela Washington Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria, she is a Certified HP learning initiative for Entrepreneurs trainer, a 2018 African Changemakers Fellow and an active member of many other professional organisations.

In this interview, she talks about her career, empowering northern women in all areas, including women in Nigeria’s key sectors and the use of innovation to improve the lives of women in the North and, interestingly, how marriage at 17 didn’t prevent her from achieving goals, among other issues.

By Chibuzo Ihegboro

Could you take us through your corporate journey to date; how has it been for you?

I did my National Youth Service in 2007 and actually explored litigation and legal practice for the whole service year and afterwards, just like any other youth, I began to evaluate my life experiences and the environment I found myself in order to get a grip of what I really wanted to do, that was when I started exploring entrepreneurship. I wanted to create a social enterprise that would not only bring me income, but also solve a social problem. As a lawyer, I wanted to get it right by going through all the traditional requirements for starting a business – business plan, business registration and paperwork and this sparked my interest in applying to the Corporate Affairs Commission, even though I didn’t have any hope of getting in but I still applied. As fate would have it, my appointment with the commission came in 2008 and I was posted to the head office in Abuja. This was the first challenge for me because I was based in Sokoto with my family. So, I was torn between taking the job or declining but we reached a decision to report to Abuja and pray for a miracle. Working with the CAC is a dream job for most new lawyers. So, I was both excited and also worried about my family back home and all efforts to get a transfer proved abortive, as there was no vacancy at the Sokoto office. This made it so hard for me, as I was trying to settle in at work and also appease my husband to be patient. I intensified prayer as the tension grew though I didn’t see how my husband could leave his job to support mine. I felt I had a future with the commission and believed God would be in control. From time to time, I would go to the HR department to find out if anything had changed and finally, one day, I received the good news of a vacancy. My excitement knew no bounds and shortly after, I redeployed to Sokoto, as an assistant manager in charge of the registry unit. In 2012, I was appointed head of the Sokoto office; I was shocked because I didn’t expect it, and that was how I became the first woman and youngest head of the Sokoto state office. As state head, I represent the Registrar General and oversee the affairs, operations and management of the office. It was easy for me to settle into this position because I was not a lazy, laid-back assistant. I graciously carried out my duties to the best of my abilities and fortunately for me, I had mature and professional staff, who were very supportive and contributed to the success and growth we experienced in the Sokoto office to date.

Tell us how you are using your position to impact change
The commission is responsible for the registration and regulation of companies, business names and incorporated trustees (NGOs). Basically, we are business enablers and stand as the first point of call for entrepreneurs and anybody who starts a business in Nigeria. CAC has branches in all the states in Nigeria and more than one in some states. As state head, I am responsible for the operation and management of the office, ensure prompt and efficient service delivery to the people of the state in which we serve. This role gives me the opportunity to network with people from different walks of life and I ensure that everyone has access to information and support required to access our services and also attend programmes to sensitise people as well as create awareness on benefits of registration, how to go about it and this has helped enormously to change the mindset of people, who before now were unwilling to register their businesses.

There’s a lot of uncertainty as a result of Covid-19, how would you say the pandemic is affecting women around you?
The pandemic has led to a lot of uncertainty, especially with regard to the economy not just in Nigeria but globally. The economic challenges experienced now pose a serious threat to women’s work and business activity, as most women are into micro and small businesses, which will eventually die as a result of the sudden shutdown, leading to loss of income and this may expose them to exploitation, abuse and violence. Women facing severe economic shocks are more likely to take on high-risk work for their economic survival to protect their children. So, responses to this pandemic must protect and support women’s economic empowerment.

What does ANWE seek to achieve and how is it helping women now?
The Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs is an NGO that focuses on women and youth’s economic empowerment and their overall wellbeing in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The reality is that government and development partners are mostly concerned about teaching women skills and handwork but fail to realise that they could not turn these skills into businesses without business and entrepreneurship developments training. ANWE seeks to provide business support, mentoring, networking, promote innovative solutions for peace, stability and sustainable economic development for women and youths as well as be the leading entrepreneurial network for fostering business prosperity, peace, stability and sustainable development in Nigeria. We currently have programmes like the “talk to my campaign” against gender-based violence and school-related gender-based violence, different categories of business development pieces of training, motivation and mentorship series, business, trade fairs and exhibitions and the women product development project.

A lot of entrepreneurs are being affected negatively by the ongoing pandemic, what would you say to them at this trying time?
I would tell them not to lose hope and use this time to re-evaluate their businesses, embrace technology, develop skills or learn new ones and most of all, key into the support by Federal Government and other stakeholders for entrepreneurs so they can access grants and loans that will support them to stay afloat.As someone passionate about northern women’s economic empowerment, what are some things you are doing to make this a reality?
I personally believe that a total overhaul of the current system has to be considered to achieve women empowerment in northern Nigeria. The reality is that the culture, tradition and religion of the people must be considered in order to design innovative solutions that will empower women sustainably. Not everyone can be an entrepreneur; some need to be wage earners. Therefore, we need culturally appropriate workspaces, cottage industries, factories with women managers, flexible work hours and innovative support systems like the prayer and child care spaces within the workspaces that will cater for the needs of these women and increase productivity and impact. This vision will remain a dream if not supported by policies; we are trying to push for such policies through advocacy at every opportunity we get till we get the necessary attention and support from stakeholders.

How can we include more women in key areas of the country’s economy?
One specific step is to bridge the gender gap with women’s economic empowerment and education by promoting the inclusion of women in economic activities in all sectors. Also, laws must be reformed, land allocation practices changed, access to justice enhanced and market entry obstructions eradicated. The economic benefits of scaling back barriers to women’s engagement in the workforce and economy are substantial and must be looked into because it is a known fact that when women acquire access to and control over economic resources, they increase productivity and their incomes, their ability to feed, clothe and educate their families thereby increases. Therefore, the policy is essential to determining the direction of our world. Women’s voices must be heard to transform and improve current economic conditions. To promote progress, public, private and business sectors worldwide must unite in actionable policy agendas to ensure an equitable future.

A good number of northern women lag behind in education, financial capability and several other areas; how can we change this?
Innovation! The key is to look at what works for us, taking into consideration culture and traditions; make policies to suit these needs and implement them. A good example can be seen in the educational system. Years of hard work from government and development partners have increased the number of girls enrolled in schools, but are still struggling for retention of the girl child in schools as a result of early marriage. Since early marriage is, unfortunately, a reality, a better solution in my opinion would be to provide quality continuing education centres across all local government areas with equally innovative solutions that will encourage attendance and create more impact.

What does being a Mandela Washington Fellow and Alumni mean to you personally and Nigerian women in general?
The fellowship is a segment of the Young African Leaders Initiative of former US  president, Barrack Obama, to invest in the next generation of African leaders. As a Mandela Washington Fellow, I have not only been trained on servant leadership, 21st-century entrepreneurial skills, teamwork and other skills to succeed in this fast-changing world, I was also given the opportunity to experience first-hand, the impact of community services, volunteering and selflessness. As alumni, I am part of a community of young leaders that have shaped their communities positively by stepping down these values to other youths through the YALI networks and creating a multiplier effect of positive change for youths. Also, being an alumni and an Arewa woman and doing what I do serves as an example to other women to know that great things can happen from little baby steps, especially when you widen your horizon, get out of your shells and explore.

How can we lift more women to the top, career and entrepreneurship wise?
A lot of women want to do something but don’t know how to start; Some need encouragement, assurance, guidance and even a little hand holding or tap on the back. So, mentorship is the solution; women who have established themselves in their field of work or business should guide and mentor others. We must all be our sisters keepers and ensure that more women are lifted to succeed. Women should join entrepreneurship associations and networks, political mentorship programmes, leadership classes and key in to mentorship programmes and most of all be willing to learn.

Getting to this position could not have been without its challenges; tell us some that you faced and how you overcame?
Challenges are part of the growth process and the ones I faced over time made me the strong woman I am today. I got married at the age of 17, right after secondary school. Ordinarily it would seem impossible to continue my education, but I went for it and despite two pregnancies, child care and a husband to care for, I managed to graduate with my mates and obtained a law degree and also proceeded to law school where I also made it with no re-sit. I was able to do all these partly because of the support I got from my spouse, who is exceptional and also due to my determination, perseverance and zeal to excel. Once I was able to overcome those challenges, everything else that came after seemed easier to manage and handle. I’ll seize this opportunity to point out that most women that succeed have the support of either their husbands, fathers, brothers or all, which means that women should be seen as partners in progress not as competitors or subordinates.

How can the government help more women-owned businesses survive now and beyond this pandemic?
Women are known to be more disciplined in loan repayments but sadly less able to access these loans mainly as a result of stringent conditions like the need for collateral and others. Government should look into easing these conditions for women entrepreneurs and partner with local organisations and associations to support less educated ones in accessing support grants and loans. We all know our women are very hardworking so the need to support them cannot be over- emphasised. So, while thinking through these programmes, think also of the rural woman and how she can get access.

What is your passion, what drives you?
I am passionate about giving back to others, imparting knowledge and motivating others to reach their full potentials. I’m always excited to learn new things, gain new experiences and meet new people.If you could influence change for Nigerian women, what’s the first thing you would do?
I’d work hand in hand with them to really understand their needs, involve them in coming up with solutions so that they have a sense of involvement in the process; this will ensure acceptance and sustainable development.

Life as a busy woman at the top can be difficult, how do you make everything work?
It’s important to note that no one lives a perfectly balanced life, especially busy women. So, each day, I try to plan my daily and weekly schedules keeping in mind that it doesn’t have to all work out as planned. It’s okay to be flexible and willing to change your schedule and prioritise it to accomplish something more important. I encourage every woman to give herself credit for achievements no matter how small and take each day as it comes. Eventually, you will feel a greater sense of peace, fulfillment and contribution in the days and years to come.

What advices do you want to leave for women reading this?
As women, we often hold back out of fear of making the wrong decision; failing at something or being judged while men make a decision and regroup if it doesn’t turn out the way they planned, we must learn from them. Regardless of what your inner voice may tell you, speak confident words to yourself. The more you say them, the more you will believe them. In turn, that confidence will draw others in and bring opportunities your way.