BY ELDER (MRS) AGNES NTANYI
The 21st century is one of the remarkable eras in human history. Its peculiarity resides in the fact that it seems to be both pleasing and fearful. It is pleasing because of the beautiful and great realizations coming from modern and scientific abilities that are providing the world with measures of comfort and prosperity that did not exist years ago. On the other hand, it is fearful because of the wide spread of evil and its effects on human lives.
Currently, amidst many other challenges, one of the greatest manifestations of that evil is the spread of the Corona viruses all over the world. Coronaviruses are a large family of infectious viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS).
In this write up, I’m particular about the role of women, worldwide, in curbing this new virus. Our major focus has been on how each country of the world had been able to limit or stop out-rightly, the spread of this virus COVID 19. Our biblical emphasis is on Deborah.
Deborah was just a woman. When the Bible introduces her in Judges 4:4, it states: “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” Note that the Bible emphasizes three things about her. She was a prophetess, thus, she had a good relationship with God; She was the wife of Lappidoth, thus, she had a home which of course was well managed; She was leading the affairs of Israel at that time, a time where her country was going through a challenge, namely, the oppression of the Canaanites. With the divine help, she succeeded in delivering her country from that challenge. The oppression of the Canaanites could be likened to the Corona-virus pandemic the world is facing today.
Looking at the world today, one notices that, one thing common in countries like Iceland, Finland, Germany, Norway, New Zealand and Taiwan is that they all have a very low level of covid-19. This could be due to the proactive approach taken by these countries where women are Prime Ministers and Presidents. Does that tell us something?
They are: Prime Minister of Iceland: Katrín Jakobsdóttir (since 2017 to date ;). Prime Minister of Finland: Sanna Marin; (since 2019 to date ;). Prime Minister and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel (from 2005 to date 😉 Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, nickname “Iron Erna” (since 2013 to date ;). Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, (since 2017 to date) and leader of the Labour party). The President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, who has been re-elected to serve a 2nd term as President.
Statistically, the world population has about 50% as women and they make up about 8% of world leaders. This indicates that though women are found in all professions and are also well read, they are always discouraged and relegated by their male counterparts.
The question now is “How did these countries whose leaders are women manage to fight against COVID-19?” The Bible states in Proverbs 31: 27a that “the wife of noble character watches over the affairs of her household”. These women have been proactive in creating awareness and took necessary steps to protect their citizens. In Taiwan with the President as a woman, responded quickly by shutting down all international travels compared to some other countries that shut down international travels later; of which the virus must have been imported by travelers.
In Taiwan, the government took the pains to locate people who came into their country using Global Positioning System, GPS and quarantined them. They made sure that these affected people actually stayed at home, and were monitored; asking questions in respect to their state of health and their progress.
As women, their intervention as mothers and wives was very timely. Has the scripture not been fulfilled in His word, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” These female leaders don’t only check on the COVID-19 patients but ensure that food and snacks were delivered to every one of them in their homes. The productions of facial masks were increased and shared to everyone, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. These women leaders enforced that the streets, doorways and parks, restaurants, public buses and all public places were all fumigated with chemicals to kill the virus. Sanitizers are also being utilized to stop the spread of the virus.
Even though there are no new cases of COVID-19 in these countries, care is still applied to every citizen to prevent its re-occurrence from anyone.
Women are always known for seeing things from different perspectives. The Nigerian woman is not left out. Looking at the persistence of the virus, people are beginning to ask questions such as: For how long are we going to be locked down? Can these viruses be fought once and for all? Or is it something that necessitates a process? Is it not better for the Government to emphasize more on ways to educate its people on how to mitigate and/or prevent the virus? These and many more are some of the challenges being thought of in the struggle to fight the coronavirus.
Who can make sure that the members of our households go out protected with masks? Who can make sure that family members wash their hands with soap regularly? Who can serve hot food at the family table, or always control what family members are eating or drinking? Who can take care of the family’s laundry? Who can make sure the family is always provided with alcohol-based sterilizer? Who is continuously ready to stand in prayers for the wellbeing of the family? In all these questions, the answer is: The virtuous WOMEN. Thus, the noble woman watches over the affairs of her household.
We need more women in leadership roles. Men and women can both make great leaders that will enable them to fight against pandemics and save lives.
With regards to the above, it would be of a great benefit to all, if churches start developing special programs to educate women about the COVID-19. The women associations in Churches will make a great force for this business because they are well known for organizing special and successful programs. It is time for group of women to become more creative in their fight against Covid-19 not only in their various denominations, but in the body of Christ and in the society as well.
I encourage women to be educated about the COVID-19 virus, beginning from our homes, in our group activities and, wherever the need arises. Tough times will never last but, women who are knowledgeable will deal away with fear, grief, and trauma from the society. The woman, who stands in the gap for her family and her society in prayers, will truly bring a turn-around for the good of the family, the society, and the nation. Then, all nations will be restored. God needs us to demonstrate that He is with us in our ministry as help-meet.
Behind a healthy Church there is a healthy family, and behind a healthy family there is a healthy society; there is a need for the political, religious, socio-cultural leaders to emphasize the education of women, especially on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elder Mrs. Agnes Ntanyi writes from The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Ikeja Parish
Source: TREASURE BOX
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/curbing-covid-19-women-on-the-lead/
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