Communicating Women Empowerment for Socio-Ecological Challenges in a Multi-Lingual Society: Nigeria’s Example

Abstract

Ecological problems result from deep-seated social ills of the society, vividly illustrated by economic slump, malnutrition, deforestation, air, urban  and oil pollutions, urban violence, water borne diseases, housing problem and insecurity all of which breathe more life into poverty. In most cases, women, a significant segment of the society are the most vulnerable in time of ecological crises. Using secondary data, this study traced women’s vulnerability to the age-long gender discriminatory culture and lopsided political structure which oftentimes place women at a disadvantaged position. With theoretical hindsight, the study discovered that given appropriate motivation and empowerment inform of access to quality education, paid employment, capital assets and land, women could break the web of poverty and record significant victory over socio-ecological adversity. The study observed that to achieve maximum success in women’s capacity building against socio-ecological problems, there must be strategic communication efforts through the various mass media organs to persuade the government to incorporate women empowerment into its policies and programs and also to influence positive belief and discourage negative attitudinal disposition to women among the various ethnic components. This evidently will enthrone a just society where everybody can compete and contribute to the socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

Key Words: Communication, Women Empowerment, Socio-ecology, Multilingualism