Communication Key to Overcoming Barriers for Women

During the 1st International Women's Day celebration in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Hadiza Bala Usman, a special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscored the critical role of communication in dismantling barriers that women face. She noted that effective communication can shape public policy outcomes and help dismantle systemic barriers hindering women's progress.

Usman, representing the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), pointed out persistent gender gaps in education, finance, and workforce participation, which are exacerbated by cultural norms and limited financial access. She advocated for a shift in communication strategies to go beyond merely documenting practices, emphasizing the need to understand and address systemic inequities.

Usman called for structural reforms and highlighted the economic and social benefits of achieving gender equity, urging communication professionals to promote policy solutions backed by data.