Let’s face it. Several gender bills were presented before Lawmakers of the National Assembly on March 1, 2022. The Legislative House voted against a bill that was meant to provide for affirmative action whereby women have at least 35 per cent in political parties’ administration. They also voted against a bill to create special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies. In all these, we must acknowledge those lawmakers who voted in support. They are beginning to see beyond where they sit, and this is remarkable and noteworthy.
Then, like the dawn of a new day, and after groups of women carried out protests simultaneously in four states, others stormed the National Assembly on 8th March, and for whatever reasons behind the curtains, if any, the House of Representatives revoked its decision on three gender bills. These bills had earlier been discarded during a constitutional amendment session.
With this new development, the National Assembly will in a month’s time reconsider the three gender bills: the Indigeneship Bill, Citizenship Bill and the 35 per cent affirmative action on Political Parties’ bill.
In all these, I have always wondered: Who are these women we are even talking about? Are they some foreign beings passing by the earth? Are they some strangers or foreigners in the society? Or are they alive and vibrant parts of the community and society? Are these women not mothers, sister, wives to men?
So, why is it an issue that about half of the population would not have a say in their own matters? Aren’t these seemingly foreign beings called women practically the homemakers in every home? Today we have women in all walks of life who are doing great things, yet it is still an issue when it comes to equal participation of women and men in what affects their lives?
Is a woman supposed to keep playing second fiddle or no fiddle at all in leadership, governance, and politics? What exactly is the insecurity about? Or is it a complex? Would men really lose anything if women were more participative and active in leadership, administration, politics, governance and all other sphere of life? Have you ever grown shorter because someone grew tall?
Our government and leaders perhaps need to reexamine what their real issues are. There is no benefit in merely adhering to the status quo. Perhaps, some of the fundamental issues about women participation are not well understood by the leaders involved. They reject these bills and still go back home to their mothers, sisters, and wives. Would you rather have a weak and voiceless sister and wife and so you be the only one who has a voice?
Even the bible says, male and female God made them. Both sexes resemble God so none is more human or more intelligent than the other.
Come on guys! We need to move! We need to grow! We need to wake up!
IT’S A NEW DAWN FOR WOMEN AND MEN!
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