The Women of Makoko

Photo by Clement Eastwood on Pexels

by Adetayo Adetokun

Makoko is a sprawling informal settlement located in Lagos State, Nigeria. It is one of the largest slum communities in West Africa, with an estimated population of over 300,000 people. Makoko has often been neglected by the government and faces numerous challenges daily.

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Makoko is located along the Lagos Lagoon, with houses built on stilts over the water. The settlement is made up of a network of narrow wooden walkways, connecting homes and shops. Many families in Makoko rely on fishing for their livelihood, and the area is also known for its shipbuilding industry. Despite its location near the water, access to clean water and sanitation is limited, leading to health problems and environmental degradation.

Poverty is a major issue in Makoko, with a large percentage of the population living below the poverty line. This means that many families are unable to afford necessities such as food, water, and shelter…a situation leading to poor health and malnutrition. In addition, the informal and unregulated nature of the settlement means that there is a lack of basic services, such as electricity, healthcare, and education. This further exacerbates the problems of poverty and inequality in the community.

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In recent years, the government has made attempts to address the issue of informal settlements in Lagos, including the demolition of homes in Makoko. However, these efforts have often been criticized for being inhumane and not addressing the root causes of the problem. Furthermore, many residents of Makoko have been forcibly evicted from their homes, with no compensation or alternative housing provided.

Women in the informal settlement of Makoko face numerous challenges daily. Despite being the backbone of the community, women in Makoko often lack access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. This leads to a cycle of poverty and inequality, making it difficult for women to improve their lives and provide for their families.

One of the biggest challenges facing women in Makoko is poverty. Many women are unable to afford necessities, such as food and clean water, leading to poor health and malnutrition. This is compounded by the lack of employment opportunities in the community, making it difficult for women to earn a livelihood. The informal and unregulated nature of the settlement also means that there is a lack of basic services, such as healthcare, which is especially problematic for pregnant women and young children.

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Lack of education is another major challenge facing women in Makoko, a slum community in Lagos State, Nigeria. Many women in the community do not have access to formal education and as a result, are unable to read and write. This limits their opportunities for personal and professional development and makes it difficult for them to manage their businesses effectively.

For women in the fishing industry, lack of education makes it difficult to keep accurate records, manage finances, and negotiate fair prices for their catch. This often leads to exploitation and underpayment, which makes  it difficult for them to earn a fair wage and improve their economic situation. Women with limited education are also less likely to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the fishing industry, which can lead to further exploitation and difficulties in conducting their business.

In addition, the lack of education also affects the health and well-being of women in Makoko. Many women in the community do not have access to information about reproductive health, and as a result, face high rates of maternal and child mortality. Women with limited education are also more likely to suffer from preventable illnesses, as they are not aware of the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation.

Another major challenge for women in Makoko is gender-based violence. Women in the community are often subjected to domestic violence and sexual abuse, with limited access to support or legal recourse. The cultural attitudes towards women also perpetuate this violence, with women often seen as being subservient to men. This makes it difficult for women to escape abusive relationships or seek justice for the crimes committed against them.

Despite these challenges, women in Makoko are a resilient and determined group. They have formed support groups to address the issue of gender-based violence, providing counselling and legal support to victims. These groups are also working to change cultural attitudes towards women, promoting equality and respect for women's rights.

Women in Makoko, play a significant role in the fishing industry and are responsible for a significant portion of the fish trade in the area. These women are resilient and determined, working to provide for their families and improve their economic situation.

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Women in Makoko with small businesses typically sell their catch of fish in the local market. These women often have limited resources and must rely on their hard work and determination to provide for their families. Despite the challenges they face, small business owners are often able to maintain a good reputation for quality and reliability, making them a vital part of the local economy.

Regardless of the size of their businesses, all women in the fishing industry in Makoko must balance their business dealings with their reproductive roles. This means that they must be available to care for their children, even as they work long hours to provide for their families. This balancing act can be especially challenging for women with small and medium-sized businesses, who often have limited support and resources.

There are several ways to help women in Makoko, overcome the challenges they face, including the lack of education:

Providing education and training: Providing access to education and training programs can help women in Makoko develop the skills they need to manage their businesses effectively and negotiate fair prices for their catch. This can also help them become more aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the fishing industry, which can protect them from exploitation.

Supporting small businesses: Providing small grants and loans can help women in Makoko start and grow their businesses. This can help them increase their income and provide for their families, improving their overall economic situation.

Improving access to healthcare: Providing access to quality healthcare services, including reproductive health services, can help women in Makoko improve their health and well-being. This can also help reduce maternal and child mortality rates in the community.

Raising awareness: Raising awareness about the challenges facing women in Makoko can help bring attention to their needs and increase support for their community. This can help improve the overall economic and social conditions in the area.

Empowering women: Empowering women in Makoko through leadership and advocacy training can help them become more effective advocates for their rights and needs. This can help improve the overall economic and social conditions in the area.

Building community infrastructure: Providing access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and safe housing can help improve the overall health and well-being of women in Makoko. This can also help reduce the spread of disease and create a safer, healthier environment for families.

Creating job opportunities: Supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities can help provide stable, long-term employment for women in Makoko. This can help increase their income and improve their economic stability, allowing them to better provide for their families.

Encouraging community involvement: Encouraging community involvement and collaboration can help bring about positive change in Makoko. Women in the community can come together to discuss their needs and advocate for their rights, working to create a better future for themselves and their families.

Developing partnerships: Partnering with local organizations, government agencies, and NGOs can help bring resources and support to Makoko. This can help address the challenges facing women in the community and improve their overall economic and social conditions.

Investing in research: Investing in research and data collection can help bring attention to the needs and challenges facing women in Makoko. This can help inform policy and programmatic decisions, ensuring that resources and support are directed to where they are needed most.

In conclusion, there are many ways to help women in Makoko overcome the challenges they face, including lack of education. By working together to provide education and training, support small businesses, improve access to healthcare, raise awareness, empower women, build community infrastructure, create job opportunities, encourage community involvement, develop partnerships, and invest in research, we can help improve the economic and social conditions in this important community.