Gender equality is a fundamental and integral aspect of human rights. Yet, early this year in March specifically, five gender bills that would contribute to advancing basic rights in Nigeria for women was rejected by the National Assembly during the constitution review process.
Provisions of the bills include – Reserving 35 per cent of seats for women in Parliament (currently, only 4% per women are legislators in the parliament); 35 of political leadership for women (only a handful of cabinet appointments are handed to women); granting automatic citizenship for foreign born husbands of Nigerian women (the Nigerian constitution already confers automatic citizenship to foreign born wives of men); and giving women the right to become indigenes of their husband’s state after five years of marriage.
The rejection of the bills speaks volumes about the barriers that women face in Nigeria. But we cannot let this slide. This is a very important issue for the development of our country. Thankfully, different groups spoke up. Of recent, the African Press Club organized a roundtable titled: “Advancing Women Participation in Governance and Decision-making in Nigeria.” We need more of such gatherings to advocate for women causes.
The national average of women’s political participation in Nigeria has remained at 6.7 per cent in elective and appointive positions. There are 102 male senators (only 7 women are in the senate), and 338 male members of the House of Representatives (only 22 women are in the house of representative). This is abysmal and needs to change.
A country that recognises the importance and tremendous impact of gender parity would ensure equal rights and access to resources for citizens of its society, both men and women. It will be keen to encourage women participation in politics, economy and all spheres, by enshrining appropriate laws and policies.
The Beijing conference on the rights of women reiterated that women empowerment and full participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society are fundamental for the achievement of equality, peace and development.
With a population of about 200 million, and a very discouraging women representation of 6.7 per cent at the National Assembly, it is time to support gender parity as well as women participation in politics. When women are at the table, they have the power to advocate for causes that affect them. Female political leadership provides a strong voice and example for women and girls.
The World Economic forum Global gender gap index for the year 2021 was a revelation. In Africa, only two countries South of the Sahara, Namibia and Rwanda have made giant and admirable stride towards gender parity and female political participation. Namibia topped the list at 80.9 per cent and Rwanda at 80.5 per cent. Nigeria needs to act now.
In 2021, the global gap index that measures access to resources and opportunities ranked Nigeria 139th out of 156 countries. This year, Nigeria has been ranked 123 out of a total of 146 countries. According to their report, “it will take more than 100 years to reach full gender parity.”
According to the Centre for Development of Democracy (CDD) women’s political representation has steadily declined in recent electoral cycles, than they did in 2011, marking women’s poorest electoral outing since 2003. In 2019, women won less than 5 per cent of all contested seats and were restricted to only 17 per cent of all ministerial appointment. About 45 per cent fewer women took office across all levels in 2019.
The point to emphasise is that the advancement of women is good for society. When women make progress, they uplift their families and communities. On the other hand, oppressed women are unable to contribute meaningfully to their society. It is therefore, in the interest of Nigeria to take action on gender parity.
The Millennium Declaration and the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) collectively herald a vision for a more just and equal world. Social, political and economic equality for women is integral to the achievement of the MDGs. Taking a closer look at the MDGs declaration will help in ending the disparities between men and women that are created and sustained in the home, the community, and the state. Traditional institutions, including those that deal with justice and economic policies should be encouraged to take responsibility for combating the injustice and discrimination that keep so many women excluded and in poverty.
Finally, we need laws to back these actions. We call on the National Assembly to revisit the rejected bills. By passing these bills, the legislature will be sending a strong message that patriarchy is no longer here to stay. It will be an example for all other levels of government at the state and local government areas (LGAs) to follow. The traditional institutions likewise, will no excuse to continue cultural practices that dispossess women and lead to discrimination.
Women and girls in Nigeria deserve to exercise their full constitutional rights as equal citizens.
Oruche writes from Lagos
