Nigerian Lawmakers Rescind Rejected Pro-Women Policies: A Win or a Decoy?
Yesterday, amidst the simultaneous protest of Nigerian women in four states against the decision of lawmakers to reject pro-women policies on the grounds of religion, Nigeria’s lower house of parliament rescinded its rejection of three out of the five bills it discarded in the last constitutional amendment session. And to think that they came to that decision on International Women’s Day, I would say it is symbolic; proof that change is possible when the masses take pragmatic steps to assert their freedom.
Last week, the National Assembly rejected the said bills for no substantial reason, save religion. The bills intended to boost the autonomy of Nigerian women by granting citizenship to their foreign-born husbands, giving women the right to become indigenes of their husband’s state after five years of marriage, assigning 35% of legislative seats to women, reserving 35% of political party leadership for women, granting women affirmative action in party administration and leadership. These bills sought to mitigate the gender imbalance across the legislative arm of governments whilst reducing the under-representation of women in political office.
To think that the bills were dismissed on the grounds of religion begs the question, “What problem does religion have with gender equality?”
Dr Alaa Murabit, a medical doctor and a UN High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment & Economic Growth who also happens to be a Muslim, on an interview with WomenDeliver answered this question. According to her, her research on the role of women in Islam revealed that women were strong leaders who made significant contributions to their society politically, economically and militarily. So, she concluded that “it was not religion that was restrictive towards women; it was socially constructed cultural notions, veiled as religious dictate as determined by male religious actors with underlying political, social and economic benefits to themselves.”
And I dare say that her findings hold true across the different religions of the world. Religion is just another tool, like culture, being used to keep women relegated to the background.
That explains why there is only about 6% of women in the National Assembly despite 49% voting in the last election; to keep the voice of the Nigerian woman hushed, her gender equality demands checked, and her citizen status second-class.
That explains why Nigeria has never voted a woman governor or president; they give women glorified appointments to fulfil all righteousness but shut them out from the decision-making table.
That explains why women cannot easily access education and equal opportunities; so they cannot even qualify to wield real power.
Yes, the lawmakers have decided to revisit the bills in their next sitting, but who is to tell that the outcome will be in the favour of Nigerian women. This is why Nigerian women, activists and civil societies should not rest on their oars but should continue to press forward until gender equality or at least a semblance of it becomes a reality.
The next national election is around the corner.
What are the stakes for Nigerian women in politics?
Will the ugly narrative continue or are we going to see real change?
Will more women be seen in the Senate?
Are we going to see a female presidential candidate?
Pertinent questions!
I’d love to hear your opinion in the comment section.
Meanwhile, let us continue to “break the bias against women in politics.”
DO Celebrates Her Women on International Women's Day
It is International Women’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – while also making a clarion call to break the bias against women.
This year’s celebration is centred on the theme “Break the bias.” The theme seeks to expose and advocate against biases women suffer in the corporate space, politics, social institutions, and even religious organisations.
However, this year’s celebration will not be complete without recognising and applauding the female movers and shakers of DO-Take Action who work tirelessly reach our goals and are committed to shooting us to the stars.
So, here it goes, in no particular order:
Meet Precious Ebere, co-founder and CEO of DO-Take Action.
Precious Ebere is an Education Technology Development Practitioner and Policy Analyst who uses data, policy, innovation, and technology to advocate for effective interventions that provide equal access to education and long-term learning outcomes for marginalised Nigerian children.
It is noteworthy to add that Precious is a Chevening scholar currently running a Master’s program in Social and Public Policy.
What does Precious do to blow off steam? She travels, meets and engages people.
Meet Favour Godwill, program manager, Do Take Action.
From age 12, Favour has always been interested in programs that focus on the development of individuals and communities. She has extensive experience in advocacy, project management, strategic planning, research and development, and communication for the growth and development of children and young adults, including access to quality health care, quality education, youth leadership, and sexual and gender-based violence against women, children, and internally displaced people.
Favour is also a writer, and she utilizes her writing to question the narrative and shift negative paradigms in her community.
Meet Chiamaka Glory Jonathan, a Program Manager at DO Take Action.
Chiamaka Glory is a Public Health Practitioner and also an entrepreneur. She is a recipient of the Outstanding Volunteers Award 2020 by United Nations Volunteers Program Nigeria, she is a YALI RLC West Africa Fellow, a Savvy Fellow, an Ambassador of the Nigerian Prize for Leadership Program and Street Project Foundation.
Chiamaka Glory is interested in leadership and community service because she believes in giving back to her society and to that effect, she has trained 2204 women and girls across Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon on hat making.
Chiamaka Glory loves singing and listening to music.
Meet Chiamka Ada Pius, a Programs Manager at DO-Take Action. Chiamaka is an experienced Programs Administrator, Humanitarian and Social Worker passionate about advocating for women, girls and human justice, well being, education, equity and mental emancipation.
Chiamaka is a member; the International Society for Substance Use Professionals, the Nigerian Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Public Health Logisticians, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the Young African Leaders Initiative.
Chiamaka enjoys meeting and interacting with people, travelling, playing games and listening to music.
Meet Opeyemi Temini Oyesola, the Digital storyteller at DO-Take Action.
Opeyemi oversees DO’s interactions with the public by implementing social media platforms’ content strategies. She desires to tell insightful stories about the various issues in our communities to inspire change. She is a dreamer, she is a believer and a Changemaker.
Meet Uzoma Ezeson, the Communications Strategist at DO-Take Action. Uzoma is the brain behind the rich content you enjoy on the DO website, blog and public relations. She is responsible for managing and improving DO’s communication channels while projecting a positive image of DO consistent with the brand’s core values. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading and engaging in meaningful conversations around her areas of interest.
And of course, we celebrate all the female Grassroots Development Champions (GDCs) driving sustainable change in their respective communities. The list is just too much to pen down.
We love your work.
We value you all.
We wish you Happy International Women’s Day.
Let’s break the bias against women.