By  PRISCA SAM-DURU
Women numbering close to 50, exhibited one form of art and craft or the other at the maiden edition of the annual Association for the Advancement of Women in Culture, AA-WIC’S Public Lecture and exhibition held penultimate Wednesday.

The level of professionalism displayed in the works exhibited is an indication that women’s  place can never be limited to the kitchen and bedroom alone. There stunning works showcased their relevance in the country’s bid to diversify her economy as well as assisting in the up-keep of the home especially during this period of recession.

Guests going through the works

The objects exhibited during the AA-WIC event held at the Cinema Hall 1 of the National Theatre, Lagos, ranged from visual art, fashion, beautifully crafted beads, locally made  adire,  Aso oke and much more. They decorated the outside walls of the Hall in such a way that it added glamour to the ambience of the event. The decors however, caused heavy traffic as women and guests admired and patronised the exhibitors.

AA-WIC, initiated by Mrs Bidgette Yerima, is designed to bring together, women in the art and culture and other related bodies, hence, it serves as a platform that enables women to deliberate on issues affecting the various industries under its purview. The platform also helps create employment by training talented women and girls so as to boost their works. Members of the group are also afforded the opportunity to contribute positively to national development.

Themed, “Nigerian Women in Development: A Rethink of the Socio-Political and Cultural Imperatives”, the accession served largely as an opportunity to showcase the beauty of women’s traditional attires made from the popular ankara fabrics, as guests and organisers appeared radiant in their different styles.

The cultural performance by the Lagos State Council for Arts and culture was one display that blew the minds of everyone present. It was energetic, well coordinated and well thought-out,  forcing applause and cheers from the audience.

Nigeria’s wave making comedian, Helen Paul took the centre stage and what happened is best experienced than heard. Of course she advised against relegating the women to the kitchen and bedroom.

Speaking on the topic, “Nigerian Women in Development: A Rethink of the Socio-Political and Cultural Imperatives”, Guest Speaker, Professor Mabel Evwierhoma harped on the need for the country to centralise women’s concerns through various women-centred groups so as to better the lives of its citizenry.

Prof Evwierhoma lamented that social inequalities exist between the sexes in the public service where women were restricted to certain job spheres or ‘arena’ in the service while men are given the freedom to explore all the cadres available…”

She advised women to set up organisational structures to engender development, facilitate democratic imperatives and replicate such associations or their branches across Nigeria.

She emphasised on skill acquisition and proper mentoring of women to make their relevance felt more in the society, stressing that, “Women should push for African sophistication and divert the thinking of the younger generation of women to the reliability of culture as a means of retooling our social systems.

Women are germane to culture administration, they help to create and add value to the Nigerian culture architecture.”