On gender equality bill

The problem of gender inequality in Nigeria has been on for decades, as the modern society has redefined the role of women; which is vastly different from what it used to be in the middle ages. However, patriarchy and gender inequality is always a touchy topic when it comes to Africa because it is largely influenced by religious beliefs and diverse cultures. Nigeria is not left out. In the northern part of Nigeria, women are still largely considered to be lowly to men, as women are only seen fit to be home keepers and child bearers.

Moreover, some would argue that the idea that women are inferior to men is not limited to the northern part of Nigeria alone, but rather, it’s all over the country. There are ideologies behind gender inequality in Nigeria, whether it’s cultural or religious, it stems from somewhere, and its lengthy existence simply means the causes are as strong as the impacts.

#NigeriaDecides2019 | Sen Buhari declared winner of Oyo North Senatorial seat

The most pathetic aspect of it all was that the recent Gender and Equal Opportunity bill tabled before the Nigerian Senate, to discuss and make into law, was thrown out during the second reading when majority of the senators voted against it. Arguments erupted from whether the Nigerian society was ready to concentrate such immense power in the hands of a ‘weaker’ gender, to the ‘un-africanness’ of such a bill, to the conservation of the Nigerian institutions, to their aversion to any form of equality.

So, what exactly does the Gender Equality Bill entail? The bill was aimed at promoting women’s freedom of movement, female economic activities and girls’ access to education. It seeks the adoption of temporary measures to eliminate discrimination, ensure equal opportunities for women as well as advocate appropriate measures against gender discrimination in political and public life. It also seeks to enshrine the prohibition of violence against women into the Nigerian legislation.

This brings us full circle back to the influence of culture, tradition and religion in the legislation of bills and rights for the populace. Deeply enshrined in the present day African culture is the ‘headship of the man’ in all areas of life: marriage, business, society. A Nigerian woman is automatically expected to defer to the man, any man, by virtue of his being male. And while women have found ways and methods to breach the social strata and make good for themselves in every walks of life, the cultural barriers on their gender still exist and come to the fore when circumstances arise.

Nigerians and her different nationals should go back to the basics of their culture and review traditions that are obsolete and negative. Before any real change can be achieved in the gender equality rhetoric, there has to be a mass change of paradigm. Not only should men be reminded about the economic, social, cultural and political importance of women, women themselves should be reminded too.

Musa-Richard,

Abeokuta.