In recent times, Nigeria has been experiencing economic challenges and hardship occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy, which has caused a surge in the cost of petrol and goods/services. This harsh reality, without any form of palliatives, is affecting vulnerable groups, households, and businesses. Today, we are looking at how this situation is affecting women and their homes. Below are the responses of our contributors:
Tosin Awoniyi
The high cost of petrol has affected my home in so many ways. First, as a career/family woman that needs to take the children to school at times, I am currently facing higher transportation fares because I do not have the means to raise income. The high cost of petrol has made goods and services more expensive. People now have to pay more to transport their products. The high cost of petrol has led to an increase in pollution and dependence on fossil fuels such as charcoal, wood, etc. It has also led to inflation and affected economic growth.
Ibrahim Moyosore
Women’s rights appear limited to mere home maintenance, sustenance and spouse satisfaction. We then find ourselves in a Waterloo because the system we are to support is working against us. The increase in petrol price continues to limit our ability to thrive as women, and it is disheartening. Furthermore, is negligence on the part of patriarchal men who find this as a means to enslave women by using the metric of ‘management’ to restrict our work, and a society that condemns us for failing in our obligations. The high cost of petrol has affected our ability to create utilities, to provide fundamental values, to satisfy our kids, and to contribute to society.
Oladapo Damilola
As the price of petrol is a major determinant of the cost of food, goods, and services in Nigeria, the hike in its price has affected most homes and mine is not an exception. In my home, I stock food stuff and toiletries at the beginning of the month because my husband is a salary earner, and the hike in petrol price has affected us. The amount of money I spend now is almost three times what I used to before, with no increase in salary. So, I have to reduce the quantity of some of the items or cut out some to fit our budget for the month which leads to reducing meal portions and lacking some necessities even with me adding my money.
AfọlábíAdéọlá
The increase in the price of petrol has affected my business and home. I am someone who likes buying foodstuffs in bulk, but now have to be buying it in small quantities. And, for my business, the prices of fabrics and bead materials have doubled. Let us say someone asked for the price of an item yesterday and when I went to the market today and discovered the price has increased again. Does it make sense to go to the customer and ask for a price increment after I have sealed an agreement? No.
Nimota Mohammed
It has affected me in many ways. All consumable items, which are the most vital part of human existence, increased in price. As a woman who wants to survive these difficult times, all adjustments have to be made financially in all ramifications. But, we believe succour would soon be proffered to ease the hardship. As they say, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”
TaofeeqatAbdulkareem
The increase in price of PMS has impacted my home by escalating daily expenses. It has led to higher prices for groceries, transportation, which affected my budget for household necessities. Finally, it has led to adjustments in my spending habits.
TemitopeIfaleye
The price hike in petrol has had a significant impact on my home. With the rising petrol cost − I say this because it is still going to increase more − my family’s overall expenses have increased. It has affected our budget and financial stability. The cost of transportation has also increased, making it more challenging for me to go to work and manage daily household errands. Moreover, the rise has led to a domino effect on the cost of essential goods/services, like food, healthcare, and education for my children. My husband, who also uses public transport for work, is also experiencing some challenges in managing his business. This has added stress to our household because we are both striving to cope. In all, it has put unnecessary pressure on me and has strained me as a contributor to my household’s income. Hopefully, the situation would improve soon so that we could regain some stability and security in our daily lives.
Janet Ifaenyi
Hardship is an understatement. The struggle to get quality things at home and still have some money left to spend is already worrisome.
