A former Vice Chairperson of Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Lagos branch, Mrs Abiye Tam-George, has described a popular slogan ‘Women Supporting
By Sandra Umeh
A former Vice Chairperson of Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Lagos branch, Mrs Abiye Tam-George, has described a popular slogan ‘Women Supporting Women’ as an ideology rooted in mutual collaboration among women.
Tam-George, a female advocate, made her opinion known while reacting to some misconceptions about the slogan.
The former NBA vice chairperson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Lagos that the slogan represented an ideology rooted in mutual empowerment, solidarity, and collaboration among women.
According to her, it encourages women to achieve more by uplifting one another.
“It also fosters positive competition and dispell toxic dynamics.
“This phrase is commonly used in professional, social, and activist contexts to inspire actions aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and promoting gender equality,” she said
The female advocate expressed satisfaction on the extent in which women have embraced the slogan.
She, however, said that the extent of its acceptance depended on personal experiences, cultural and religious influences, educational backgrounds, and societal status.
“some women have adopted the slogan as a guiding principle, but in areas where traditional gender roles dominates, same might be viewed as been rebellious.
“As a result, some women may face limitations or social constraints that will hinder their active involvement in pursuing the objectives of the slogan,” she said
Tam-George also said that the slogan should be viewed as a work in progress instead of a myth or mirage.
“Women supporting women is both a reality and a work in progress, not a myth.
“In spite of societal structures, systemic challenges, biases, and patriarchal practices, women have consistently supported one another in challenging these norms and creating safer spaces,” she said
The NBA ex vice chairperson also said that some men and women harboured the belief that women were the greatest opponents of themselves.
She added that the misconception and dubious claim that women do not support women stemmed largely from societal and patriarchal conditioning.
Tam-George said that the misconception had discouraged some women from embracing their uniqueness.
She, consequently, urged that the tempo of women supporting women be sustained through collaboration of women-led businesses and increased representation of women in leadership.
“The slogan women supporting women is undeniably a positive and empowering philosophy.
“However, it is also clear that there is still work to be done to make its ideals universally practiced,” she said (NAN)
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