In the wake of devastating attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in Mafa community, Borno state, Northern Nigeria, a remarkable transformation is underway, symbolized by the emergence of Falmata Usman. This 23-year-old woman has defied societal norms by becoming the town's first female phone technician, breaking barriers and inspiring change.
Having experienced the hardships inflicted on her town, Falmata decided to pursue a career in phone repair, despite facing resistance and skepticism from her community. "I was schooling before I learned the skill. After graduating, I was at home until years later when I developed an interest in fixing phones. Alhamdulilah, I can take care of myself and others around me," she proudly declares.
Despite initial challenges, Falmata's technical prowess has won over the residents of Mafa, with many now availing themselves of her services. Babagana Mogu, a satisfied customer, shares, "I've had issues fixing my phone; I suffered trying to repair it until I found Falmata." Another customer, Maringo Kaffi, praises her work and envisions broader positive impacts: "If she teaches other girls, they too will teach others, and this means progress for our community."
Falmata's bold step has elevated her to a local hero status in a village where traditional gender roles typically confine women to domestic responsibilities. In Mafa, the prevailing expectation for women, especially Muslim women, is to focus on household chores and childcare.
Falmata Usman encourages women not to remain idle, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance. "You don't have to depend on your husband to provide for your needs. Life now is not easy," she advises. Her journey challenges the conventional roles assigned to women, advocating for economic independence and empowerment.
While Nigeria has made progress in narrowing the gender gap, as reflected in the Global Gender Gap Index 2022, there is still work to be done. The World Gender Gap Report indicates a gender gap of 63.9% in the country. Falmata's story serves as an inspiration for many in Mafa, fostering hope that bold initiatives can lift communities out of poverty.
In a society where certain fields are traditionally considered male-dominated, Falmata Usman stands as a beacon of change, proving that determination and skill know no gender boundaries.