Nigeria where women can lead freely is beyond tokenism

MARCH is important for recognising women’s efforts towards empowerment and equality. Throughout this month, various events celebrate their achievements and struggles, both known and silent. One of the key events is Women’s History Month, which originated from Women’s History Week, first celebrated in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California. It was intentionally scheduled to coincide with International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. By 1987, Congress enacted legislation designating March as Women’s History Month. As we enter Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions of women across history and society. It is a time to reflect, celebrate, and advocate for the women who continue to break barriers, defy odds, and challenge oppressive structures. In Nigeria, where women’s representation in leadership remains low, we owe it to our mothers, sisters, and daughters to acknowledge their struggles and create spaces where they can thrive and freely express themselves.

Women in Nigeria have long fought systemic barriers that seek to confine them to the sidelines. They have continually demonstrated resilience, brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to progress, from politics to the corporate world, activism to academia. Yet, despite these contributions, they remain vastly underrepresented in leadership, subjected to gender-based violence, and often denied the opportunity to exercise their full potential. Recent events underscore what women face in their pursuit of justice, leadership, and professional integrity. Senator Natasha Akpoti’s decision to sue the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on grounds of sexual assault illuminates the persistent issues of gender-based violence within political spaces. Similarly, ex-Lagos House Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s journey to leading the state parliament was riddled with controversy, resistance, and political maneuverings that highlight the uphill task of women in or to leadership. Rather than being celebrated as a progressive milestone, her sudden emergence from the Deputy Speaker position has been marred by disputes that expose the deep-seated resistance to women’s rising profile. The treatment of women in leadership, whether through undermining their credibility or outright opposition, continues to deter many qualified women from stepping into governance.

Even more alarming is the case of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Moji Christianah Adeyeye, whose commitment to duty has placed her life at risk. A predecessor in NAFDAC, Prof Dora Akunyili, suffered a similar fate. This serves as a stark reminder that women who dare to stand firm in their principles often find themselves in danger, reinforcing the pressing need for protections that enable women to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence. Her plight should concern us all, for a society where women are punished for their integrity is a society teetering on the edge of moral collapse. Whereas Nigeria has made some strides in amplifying women’s voices, the statistics remain bleak. Women occupy less than 10 percent of political positions, and gender parity in leadership is still a mirage. Yet, the struggle for representation is not just about numbers; it is also about fostering an environment where women are given equal opportunities to lead without fear, their voices are not silenced, and their competence is not subjected to nitpicking and male bullying. Leadership is not a privilege granted to a select few; it is also a right that must be accessible to all without regard to gender.

Beyond politics, Nigerian women are not pushovers in entertainment, business, and sports, proving that their capabilities know no bounds. Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, continues to break records, winning another Grammy and becoming the first African woman to partially own a professional soccer team in the United States as a club partner in San Diego FC. Likewise, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, is making waves globally in music, gaining international acclaim without scandal or controversy. These women deserve recognition, not just for their talent, but for their ability to redefine narratives about Nigerian women on the global stage. The fight for gender equity is not the burden of women alone. It is a collective responsibility that demands the active participation of all – men and women alike. We must challenge the deeply ingrained stereotypes that limit women’s potential, demand accountability for those who abuse power, and cultivate a culture that values women’s contributions in all spheres of society. We must celebrate women who shine brightly and commit to ensuring their paths are free from obstacles. We must move beyond token gestures of inclusion and create a Nigeria where women can lead, speak, and exist without fear.

Our mothers, sisters, and friends deserve nothing less. It is time for a new social contract—one in which women are not merely tolerated, but embraced; their voices are heard and amplified, and their achievements are recognised and celebrated. We must acknowledge that empowered women contribute to empowered communities. A society that uplifts its women thrives. Women are not asking for favours; they are demanding the rights and opportunities that should have always been theirs. Creating an equitable Nigeria does not rest solely with policymakers or activists. If we truly want to see a Nigeria where women’s leadership is the norm rather than the exception, we must all work together to dismantle the barriers that have long hindered their progress. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honour the women who refuse to be silenced, fight oppression, and continue to shine their lights despite the odds. Their courage, determination, and brilliance deserve more than applause—they deserve a Nigeria that respects women’s worth.