Peace Obi
In the spirit of collective action in the campaign against gender inequality, the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos on Thursday March 8, 2018, saw the convergence of diplomats, government officials, academics, Nollywood, students, men and women from all walks of life in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD). The panelists shared their views on the theme, ‘Gender Expectations and Unequal Power Relationships in the Nigerian Society’ and was moderate by Tabia Princewill.
Welcoming the participants to the 2018 IWD celebration, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said that the institution of higher learning is committed to the course of women empowerment through quality education and training that ultimately weakens the forces that fan the embers of gender disparities around the world.
The Deputy VC, who was represented by Dr. Abigail Ogwezzy noted that given available statistics, Nigeria still has a long way to go in realising gender parity in the country.
According to her, “40 per cent of Nigerian women are said to be entrepreneurs, the highest in the world. Yet, most of them are small and medium business owners in an economy driven by men.” Adding that the inequality between men and women in Nigeria is further reflected in the lower number of women elected into the present National Assembly – a decline from what was achieved in 2011.
Ogunsola recommended that education be prioritised, especially for women and that Nigeria can learn from Rwanda’s experience. “Rwanda has an improved number of women in positions of leadership. The country has made tremendous improvement. They prioritise education for women. Nigeria women can learn from this,” Ogunsola said.
The French Consul General, Laurent Polonceaux speaking with THISDAY said that the French Embassy was deliberate in its partnership with the Lagos State Government and UNILAG. According to the diplomat, it is part of the country’s efforts geared at changing the world’s perception about women. And to ensure that women all over the world are not denied their rights. “The target is just to change the vision of the woman in the society, be it in Nigeria or in French. Around the world, 52 per cent of humanity are women. When you see the difference in jobs, treatment in education, in health that exist between men and women, you will realise that there is a long way to go. And even if there is progress, there is still a long way to change things,” Polonceaux said.
Speaking also, Professor Sophie Oluwole, a renowned Nigerian philosopher and a promoter of Yoruba philosophy, indigenous languages and culture said that African society, particularly the Yoruba culture never discriminated against women. According to Oluwole, Africans enjoyed an inclusive system before the ‘invasion’ of western culture through colonisation. She added that the pre-colonial African male and female roles were complimentary and that women were not restrained by culture or tradition from contributing to the family and public affairs.
Oluwole who condemned the trend where people hide under the cloak of culture to maltreat and deny women their rights, said that it was unacceptable.
“I have never denied the fact that gender oppression exists and it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, it is everywhere in the world, though times are evolving but as far back in 1912, women in London demonstrated against education inequality when women in London were not allowed to go to school and study Medicine.
“Even in Nigeria, initially women were not allowed to study Medicine but over time, it got better and we have great women doctors in Nigeria and all over the world.
Speaking further, the university Don said that it is is impossible to call a man who pays rent, school fees and feeds the entire family an oppressor while the woman works and keep her money. Adding that rights without responsibility is meaningless. “For me, gender inequality will minimise if women keep working twice as hard and ensure to play key roles in contributing and complimenting the family and society at large,†she added.
Speaking also, the Lagos State Coordinator, Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi noted both domestic and sexual violence are both criminal in nature but hinted that domestic violence is a power game. According to her it is often prevalent among women who are not financially independent.
The Coordinator, DSVRT however gave insights on how to spot a potential abuser, “a man who tries to separate you from friends and family, who wants you to stay home but without making adequate arrangements can be abusive,” she said.
Speaking on ‘Nollywood Portrayals of Women’, Rita Dominic said that any kind of media can truly project and make a positive impact about women. She however warned that negative portrayal of women by any media platform will negatively affect the nation’s development.
According to the talented, multiple-award winning actress and film producer, “Nollywood is an import and powerful platform in changing the narrative about women.” Admitting that Nollywood’s portrayal of women can sometimes be stereotyped, Dominic, however, advised individuals “know the difference between right and wrong and hold on the positivity and drop the negativity.”
Focusing on the solution, the event moderator, Tabia Princewill identified fear and insecurity as the major causes of gender inequality. “People are insecure and they are afraid of people who are confident in themselves. The problem is more when a woman in particular is confident in herself. According to Princewill, the solution to gender inequality is more education and enlightenments campaigns. “So, it is about educating men and women from the time when they are young. For mothers, I will say, raise your son to be the kind of man that you would have wanted to marry,” she said.
