BAUCHI: The Chairman of Shira Local Government Area in Bauchi State, Babangida Maliya, has announced plans to ban female farmers from working in the fields, citing cultural and safety concerns.
Maliya stated that the council is developing a framework to protect women and girls from potential risks and align local practices with traditional values.
In an interview, the chairman expressed concern that many women and young girls spend long hours on farmlands and return late at night, a situation he considers both unsafe and culturally inappropriate.
“Neither Islam nor our Hausa-Fulani tradition permits women and young girls to toil in the fields,” Maliya said. “This initiative seeks to align our practices with our values while ensuring the safety of our mothers and daughters.”
Maliya added that the council is consulting with legal experts, councillors and traditional leaders to create a comprehensive and enforceable policy.
He also urged Fulani leaders to encourage children, especially girls, to enrol in school and to promote adult literacy programmes for mothers as a better alternative to farm labour.
