1. I wish to acknowledge Nigerians, hard working mothers and children at this critical time as we grapple with the global emergency of the Coronavirus (COVID19).

2. As I address Nigerian Women at this time, I wish to, on behalf of all Women to commend Mr. President and the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force for the proactive steps taken since the outbreak of the pandemic which has been recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is now serving as a model approach for other African countries.

However, it is with a deepened sense of urgency that I wish to express concerns over the micro-level effects of this virus on citizens in the nuclear family especially Women who are charged with the responsibility of care giving and home-management both within the home and outside their homes. At this juncture, let me also commend all the female health workers who are in the front line of providing healthcare to those affected by the virus; your efforts are deeply appreciated.

3. Nigerians are further aware of the activities and efforts of the Presidential Committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the resulting advice and directives to. Ensure that new protect our people, manage the virus and take maximum action to contain the spread of the pandemic. With the steps being taken to limit people’s movement, public gathering, closure of schools and the ultimate “stay at home” directives, women as the family focal person and central home managers are the fulcrum of survival at the home level.

It is apparent that the additional burden of home and community management given the poor financial health status of most families and weak supply chains will be enormous while family relations will be severely strained.

4. In practical terms, the additional challenges on Nigerian women would include amongst others:

1. Reduced participation in food production and the agricultural value chain Increased pressure on food preparation, serving, preservation, storage the informal food vending sub-sector
2. Caring for children, the youth and elderly and ensuring continued education for school age children
3. Maintaining adequate sanitation levels of homes, neighbourhoods and the community.
4. Ensuring that recreational and health needs are met even under the shutdown circumstances
   Ensuring that adequate protective measures are provided for the female
   healthcare workers who are in the majority of rending services to those
   affected at this time.

5. In view of these realities and to join the crusade to protect lives, it has become imperative for the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to specially appeal to Nigerian women especially the mothers to comply with `State Directives and
adhere to these basic guidelines:

• Stock food, vegetable and water
• Be extra cautious in sourcing water, firewood and local herbs
• Stock adequate sanitary materials including soap, detergents, disinfectants and personal toiletries
• Sanitization instructions including washing hands with soap and water, use of sanitizers and fumigation of the home and environments.

6. I want to, on behalf of the Nigerian women specially appreciate the State Governors for the very proactive steps they have taken to enlighten the citizens and promote social distancing. I would also like to seize this opportunity to appeal to all Commissioners of Women Affairs at the State level to rise up to the challenge and be proactive in supporting women and children through this trying period. To ensure a well-coordinated approach in managing the home level dimensions to the pandemic, all State Commissioners of Women Affairs are kindly requested to
update the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, on a daily basis to mitigate the negative impact of the virus on families.

7. Before ending this address, I want to specifically appeal to women groups and organizations at all levels including faith based and grassroots organizations, to please respect constituted authority and adhere to all government directives on hosting of public events such as village meetings, town meetings, weddings, burials, celebrations and all festive activities as life is wealth and staying alive guarantees us the opportunity to enjoy long life.

8. I would also like to, on behalf of Nigerian Women, appeal to corporate organizations and well-meaning businessmen and women to understand the peculiar predicament of women in managing homes at this crucial time and extend support and palliative measures to buffer the homes and assist the Ministry in safeguarding lives.

Signed
Dame Pauline K. Tallen OFR, KSG
Minister of Women Affairs