Market Women Seek Inclusion In Decision-Making, Launch Charter Of Demands In Oyo
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – MARKET women in Oyo State have launched a Charter of Demands, urging governments at all levels to include them in policy formulation and decision-making processes that directly impact their welfare and economic activities.
The charter was unveiled on Tuesday in Ibadan during an event organised by the Iyamapo Centre for Peace, Women, and Youths Development (CPWYD) with support from the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of Iyamapo CPWYD, Mrs. Sherifah Taleat-Arafat, said the charter was developed following a needs-assessment survey conducted across eight markets and eight commodity associations in the three senatorial districts of Oyo State.
According to her, the survey, which reached 1,902 market women, exposed critical gaps in representation, inclusion, and policy engagement among market associations.
“The first objective of this event is to celebrate our achievement in forming a coalition of iyalojas and leaders of market women associations in Oyo State,” she said.
“The second is to formally present the coalition to government and stakeholders, and the third is to launch the Charter of Demand — an advocacy tool containing our needs, challenges, dreams, and aspirations as market women.”
Mrs. Taleat-Arafat commended the Heinrich Böll Foundation for its support, noting that the coalition’s membership had grown from 25 to 102 members within a few months.
“No matter how beautiful an idea is, without support there is little one can achieve. We thank HBF and everyone who made this possible,” she added.
In her remarks, the Country Director of HBF, Mrs. Sophie Von Knebel, urged market women, policymakers, and other stakeholders to engage deeply with the Charter and use it as a “living tool for change.”
“Let it inspire decisive policy actions, strengthen protections, and open new opportunities for women in markets across Oyo State,” she said. “The women have spoken, and now is the time to act on their calls for change.”
She expressed confidence that the dissemination of the charter would stimulate constructive dialogue and foster collaboration among market women, policymakers, and development partners.
The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Ajolayo Akande, described the initiative as laudable and capable of changing the narrative for women in the state’s informal economy.
“This programme provides a platform for women to speak out and address issues that affect them. It is a commendable step toward uplifting women and girls in Oyo State and across Nigeria,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ere Amachree, Programme Manager, Rethinking Politics at HBF, said the foundation supported the initiative to amplify women’s voices in governance.
“Many market women feel unrepresented. Decisions about demolitions, levies, and taxes are made without consulting them,” she noted. “Through this charter, they are now speaking in a united voice. We hope decision-makers will engage with the document and respond to their needs.”
Representing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo, Mr. Taiwo Ige described the demands as genuine and encouraged unity among traders.
“If government focuses on uplifting women, it will strengthen the state’s economy. But the women must work together in unity to achieve more,” he said.
The Iyaloja-General of Ibadanland, Alhaja Isuat Amirungun, expressed joy over the formation of the coalition, saying it would promote peace and collaboration among market women.
“We market women have been scattered, but today we are united. Without unity, we can’t achieve anything from government. By God’s grace, nothing will divide us again,” she said.
The event attracted representatives from government ministries, traditional rulers, women leaders, and civil society organisations.