Equality for women in Rivers State and Nigeria can be achieved on the
adoption and implementation of a policy of affirmative action of positive
discrimination in favour of women. Our women have come of age, which is
evident in all the facets of national life. We see steady increase in the
contribution of women in business, education, the professions and of
course in their efforts to be better equipped to contribute to nation
building.
This determination by women to pull themselves into the mainstream of
socio-economic cum political activities can only be enhanced by policies
that discriminate in their favour, which should be implemented by the
male-controlled governance system.
As the world marks the International Women’s Day, we express our support
for the long-drawn struggle of women for emancipation and equality in
society in line with the official United Nations theme for International
Women's Day, which is: "Equality for women is progress for all"
We support the global call for equality for women across all spheres of
human endeavour. Despite the fact that the Constitution, our laws and
international conventions outlaw gender discrimination, society still
subjugates and denies women their rights. Cultural and religious
practices, and the politics of gender exclusion further militate against
the attainment of gender equality. The 35% affirmative action for women in
itself is a derogation of the Constitution, which prohibits gender
inequality. Laws alone, therefore, are not sufficient to address the
issues of inequality. Deliberate commitments by all, especially policy
makers and drivers are required to bring about the desired change.
The responsibility for change in promoting gender equality rests on men
since it is in their minds that inequality is conceived. It is imperative
that men must take greater responsibility in championing the cause of
gender equality and by so doing promote progress for all. The fact that
women are in the majority in Nigeria makes it imperative to work in
partnership with them for our society to make progress; hence our advocacy
for positive discrimination in favour of women on the basis of merit
across all spheres of human endeavours. This would end the inequality in
our own society and open up opportunities for all. The point must also be
made that equality with women neither derogates from the rights of men nor
degrades their status; but enhances it.
Empirical studies have shown that the apparent lack of progress and
under-development of the 3rd world may be directly linked to gender
inequality in the formulation and implementation of policies and in the
running of government.
Immense benefits are accruable to our society when the principles of
gender equity and equality are promoted. For instance, education of women
leads to their empowerment and overall wellbeing. According to scientific
findings, the education of women has a direct link to the improvement of
their health and those of children.
Providing women with opportunities to work also improves the income of the
family, promotes stability of our society improves the quality of the
workforce given their dedication to work. To deprive women of formal
education, therefore, deprives society of the laudable inputs they can
make to advance society.
Encouraging adequate and effective representation of women in politics and
government will lead to the direct fulfilment and show a true reflection
of the desires of the people. In other societies, this has led to an
increase in political and social achievements.
Education remains a vital solution. Society also requires fundamental
orientation and re-orientation, especially of the men, to prepare their
minds to accept women as being competent enough to take leading roles in
society. Women who are beneficiaries of the struggle for women equality
either through appointments or elections into positions of authority
should also endeavour to use such positions to advance the cause of gender
equality, rather than undermine it.
Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack
Leader, Rivers Converge; a network of political alliances of Rivers
people, residents and friends of Rivers State.
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