Boko Haram is committed to the idea that women are the property of husbands and mere instruments of reproduction . Melinda Gates : Kidnapped girls in Nigeria reflect long use of women misused in conflicts . She says Boko Haram justifies actions as Islamic ; this insult denounced by Muslim leaders . She says group thinks women are merely property ; these ideas affect Nigeria 's prosperity . Comment: Outcry over girls shows many know empowered women are key to a nation 's fortunes .
Melinda Gates : Kidnapped girls in Nigeria reflect long use of women misused in conflicts . She says Boko Haram justifies actions as Islamic ; this insult denounced by Muslim leaders . She says group thinks women are merely property ; these ideas affect Nigeria 's prosperity . Comment: Outcry over girls shows many know empowered women are key to a nation 's fortunes .