Is women’s presence in Nigerian governance and therefore gender equality on the increase?

Women are not hugely represented in the Nigerian Senate.  Only 8 out of 109 seats are filled by women.  Also, in the House of Representative only 11 of the 360 seats are filled by women.

The push for equality between the sexes has been a hot issue for many years, with lot of women and groups looking to make changes and to put an end to the negative stereotypes and violence towards women.  Could creating real change in gender equality be as simple as joining an online casino South Africa?

Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill

These objectives of those advocating for gender equality can be seen in the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill which was first introduced in March 2016 in the eighth Senate, by Biodun Olujimi, the former minority leader (PDP, Ekiti South).

Its aim is to secure the rights of women to equal opportunities in employment; to have equal rights with regards to inheritance for children of both sexes; to ensure that women have equal rights in marriage and also in divorce; equal opportunities in education, property ownership and rights of inheritance. It covered the rights of widows, provided means against gender discrimination in political life and making violence again women illegal.

Some male lawmakers rejected the bill arguing that the Constitution of Nigeria was well-defined concerning citizen’s rights and that included those of women.   However, Biodun Olujimi made some amendments to the bill and then presented in to the Senate. She argued that the bill’s aim was to irradicate all forms of discrimination against women and will ensure equal opportunities and the possibility of advancement for all its citizens regardless of gender.

She also argued that the bill would help girls gain access to education, allow women to get involved in economic endeavors and ensure women’s safety from violence and sexual abuse at home and in public.

This second presentation to the Senate did not meet with any negative responses from senators and the bill then got referred on to its committee, headed by David Umaru (APC-Niger) – Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Unfortunately, the bill did not get a public hearing until the end of the eighth Senate.  Olujimi reintroduced the bill once again in November 2019 but it has not yet been considered.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8^th this year.   Women, on this day, are celebrated all around the world.  It seeks to advance equality of the sexes and to get rid of gender stereotypes.   The theme this year was “Choose to Challenge”.   Amongst other things it focused on women’s achievements in all areas and looked to celebrate them.

In light of International Women’s Day this year, below will focus on the Gender Equality Bill and its provisions for dealing with the low representation of women in governance.

Low representation of women

Women represent approximately 49 percent of Nigeria’s population but the disparities in all spheres between the sexes is huge.  However, Nigeria is noted to be one of the nations with the lowest number of women lawmakers/politicians in the region and actually ranks 180^th in the world.  Since the Fourth Republic, there has never been a female president or vice president, neither has there been a female governor.  The highest level a female has reached is the deputy governorship and that was in lieu of the then governor, Peter Obi, being impeached.

Today there are 4 states with female governors. Women occupy 8 seats in the Senate of which there are 109 and 11 seats in the House of Representatives of which there are 360.

The Gender Equality Bill and its provisions

The purpose of the bill is to confirm the rights of all humans that they are born free and equal and are entitled to all the rights set out in 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the International Covenants on Human Rights.   There are provisions that specifically refer to women and the elimination of any form of discrimination.  It sets forth that no discrimination against any person on the grounds of gender, age or disability is sanctioned in any private or public institution, workplace or any other body.

Promoting equality and advancement of all persons

The bill provides directives that ensure all people, regardless of their gender, receive the necessary measures to ensure their development.  It says “for the purpose of guaranteeing to them the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a basis on non-discrimination and equality of all persons.”

One measure, for example, is the 35% affirmative action for women to be employed in offices, private or public and public and political positions. It is also states that parity should be ensured between the genders in all areas of education including access to facilities, scholarships and bursaries and this begins from primary school enrollment.

Eliminating stereotypes

The bill aims to eradicate gender stereotyping which are based on the idea that there are fixed roles for men and women.   Educational institutions would promote, by way of educational material, equality of the sexes.   It is the family’s responsibility to ensure that they raise their children in a non-discriminatory fashion.   Widows are to be treated respectfully. She can remarry, receive inheritance and continue living in the marital home.

Eradicating discrimination in public and political institutions

The bill decrees that all government offices and all private and public institutions including corporate entities to take measures that will eradicate discrimination against women in all of these spheres and ensure that both genders be able to participate in all walks of life.

Eradicating discrimination in employment

The bill mandates that appropriate measures be taken by all offices involved, be they government, public or private, to ensure that “equal renumeration of persons of equal skill, competence, expertise and knowledge including benefits” be guaranteed.

It also mandates for gender equality of social security, especially in regards to sickness, unemployment and old age when often these situations prevent a person from being able to work.    It also makes the provision for women in employment to be entitled to maternity leave and other benefits related to maternity needs.

During the second reading, lawmakers will make their arguments for or against the bill.  Only after that will it be brought to the relevant committee for public hearing.   It is hoped that this bill, sponsored by Ms. Olujimi, calling for equal rights will soon get the backing of all.