The International Day for Rural Women, celebrated globally on October 15, brings into focus the invaluable contributions of rural women to food production, community health, and sustainable development. Yet, in Nigeria, this day passed with little mention of a figure who championed rural women’s empowerment in her lifetime: Mariam Babangida. Her remarkable legacy has profoundly shaped the lives of rural women in Nigeria and set a foundation for social and economic growth that remains relevant today. With the theme of this year’s celebration being “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All,” it is a glaring oversight that Mariam Babangida’s efforts were not acknowledged. Her devotion to rural women deserves a place of honor in the country’s history, and here is why her legacy must continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Mariam Babangida, Nigeria’s former First Lady and wife of military president General Ibrahim Babangida, pioneered the “Better Life for Rural Women” (BLP) program in 1987. This initiative was unprecedented in its scale, vision, and impact, representing the first time a Nigerian First Lady took on a large-scale program dedicated to improving the quality of life for women in rural communities. Recognizing the unique challenges that rural women face, limited access to education, healthcare, and economic resources, Mariam set out to transform these realities. She saw that empowering rural women was not only a social responsibility but a pathway to achieving national development goals.

The Better Life Program addressed multiple aspects of rural life, from healthcare and sanitation to education, skill acquisition, and micro-entrepreneurship. Through the establishment of cooperatives, cottage industries, and community centers, it opened doors for rural women to gain financial independence, access to health services, and opportunities for self-empowerment. Mariam Babangida’s program elevated the status of rural women from largely unrecognized contributors to active participants in the nation’s economy.

Mariam Babangida’s contributions went beyond charity; her work set the stage for future programs aimed at women’s development and poverty alleviation. The Better Life Program created an environment that encouraged rural women to take control of their economic circumstances. It was one of the first initiatives that addressed rural women’s issues holistically, looking at the interconnected needs of healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. As rural women gained skills and resources, they became more active in their communities, contributing to economic growth and fostering local development.

Through this program, Mariam Babangida also made a lasting impact on agriculture, as rural women were encouraged to form cooperatives and embrace modern agricultural practices. This not only increased productivity but also improved food security within local communities, a goal still relevant in the context of this year’s theme. By placing emphasis on rural women’s role in food production, the Better Life Program directly addressed the idea of “cultivating good food for all.” The program laid a foundation that rural women, with their increased productivity and economic empowerment, could carry forward, thus enhancing national food security.

A key aspect of the Better Life Program was its focus on skill acquisition and educational opportunities for women who had often been marginalized in traditional educational settings. Mariam Babangida realized that education was the primary avenue for rural women to gain agency and independence. She worked with government bodies and NGOs to create literacy programs tailored to rural women, enabling them to participate in the economic and social lives of their communities with confidence.

Skill acquisition centers became a vital part of the Better Life Program, teaching women skills such as weaving, tailoring, soap-making, and other crafts that could be turned into income-generating activities. These skills allowed women to start their own small businesses, which had a ripple effect on local economies, as women were now contributing to household incomes and raising standards of living.

One of Mariam Babangida’s notable contributions was her work in healthcare and sanitation for rural communities. Recognizing that poor health limited the potential of rural women, she incorporated healthcare initiatives into the Better Life Program. Through vaccination campaigns, maternity care, and family planning services, the program helped reduce mortality rates and improve general health among rural women and their families. The provision of clean water facilities and sanitation education promoted healthier living conditions, which directly impacted productivity and overall quality of life in these communities.

The Better Life Program’s efforts in healthcare also underscored the relationship between women’s health and national development. By ensuring that women in rural areas had access to basic healthcare, Mariam Babangida underscored the importance of physical well-being as a fundamental right and a cornerstone for economic and social participation.

Mariam Babangida’s work did not end with her tenure as Nigeria’s First Lady. The legacy she left through her tireless work for rural women’s empowerment has inspired generations of Nigerian women leaders and advocates who have continued to advance her vision. Programs initiated by successive First Ladies and other women leaders have drawn inspiration from her blueprint. In a country where political transitions often lead to abrupt changes in policies and programs, the fact that the Better Life Program’s principles have been incorporated into various modern initiatives is a testament to Mariam Babangida’s enduring influence.

As the nation reflects on the achievements and challenges faced by rural women, it is essential to remember the foundations laid by Mariam Babangida. Her legacy is not just about the Better Life Program; it is a story of resilience, vision, and the conviction that women, no matter their background, deserve equal opportunities to thrive. Mariam Babangida’s work demonstrated that empowering women is an investment in a country’s future, a lesson that remains crucial for Nigeria’s growth today.

Mariam Babangida’s contributions should be celebrated annually, especially on International Rural Women’s Day, to remind Nigeria of her pioneering role in championing rural women’s empowerment. Celebrating her legacy also provides a platform to educate future generations about her transformative work and inspire them to continue the pursuit of gender equality and rural development.

In a country where rural communities remain underserved and where gender disparity continues to hinder national development, Mariam Babangida’s legacy is more relevant than ever. The International Day for Rural Women, with this year’s theme of “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All,” highlights the critical roles that women play in food production and community well-being. Recognizing Mariam Babangida’s contributions on this day would remind Nigerians of the power of women-led development programs and underscore the importance of empowering rural women to achieve sustainable development goals.

Honoring Mariam Babangida is not just about recognizing her achievements; it is about acknowledging the potential of rural women and the transformative impact that can come when they are empowered. It is about reminding Nigeria that the well-being of rural women is tied to the well-being of the nation. Mariam Babangida’s vision for rural women should inspire Nigeria’s future, encouraging policy-makers, community leaders, and individuals to continue supporting the empowerment of women in every corner of the country.