International Day of Rural Women 2026: Nami Pledges to Restore Dignity, Livelihood of Rural Women in Niger

To mark the International Day of Rural Women, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Niger State, Malam Muhammad Nami, has called for urgent action to protect rural women from insecurity, displacement, poverty and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

In a statement from the Nami Media Directorate in Minna, he said the day should mean more than speeches — real commitment, he argued, means guaranteeing women's safety, protecting their livelihoods and restoring their dignity.

Nami expressed concern that worsening insecurity has driven thousands of rural families from their homes, with women and children among those most affected by attacks, kidnappings and loss of livelihoods. Citing Niger State government reports of more than 300,000 people displaced across 10 local government areas, he said the situation demands immediate humanitarian intervention and a comprehensive security strategy. Many women who once supported their families through farming, trading and food processing, he noted, now live in displacement — facing hunger, lost income, disrupted schooling and limited healthcare.

"Rural women must not be forgotten in the conversation about security and development in Niger State," he said.

He outlined six priorities for rural women:

• Treating security as a fundamental right and protecting vulnerable farming communities;
• Safe, voluntary return and the rebuilding of homes and services;
• Humanitarian support for displaced women and children, including health, water and hygiene;
• Protecting farm livelihoods through land, inputs and financial support;
• Economic empowerment via cooperatives, credit, training and small-business support;
• Inclusive governance and transparent monitoring of public resources for women's welfare.

He added that communities hosting displaced families should receive adequate support, and expressed solidarity with displaced women, mothers and farmers, describing their resilience as an inspiration for rebuilding peace and prosperity in the state.

Source: The Dream Daily, 15 October 2026.