Unmasking the veiled discrimination against Nigerian women in politics

From Cradle to Capitol!

“They say women are the weaker sex, and culturally that we are supposed to be in the kitchen ”

Favor Anietie Udofia, a senior girl prefect at the Nigerian Christian Institute, a private school in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, is 16 years old. She knows that the society she is growing up in has already decided on her destiny and course in life.

She goes on to say ” Women are rising, but at this point, it is a male-dominated society”.

Traditional gender norms and stereotypes perpetuate the notion that women are not fit for leadership roles, perpetuating discrimination against women in politics.

According to a United Nations (UN) report from 2022, achieving complete gender equality could take up to 300 years. The study shows how, in the face of “cascading” international problems like the COVID-19 pandemic, violent conflict, and climate change, as well as the reaction against women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender inequities are getting worse.

The birth of a child is often a joyful occasion regardless of gender, but in the traditional African environment, this is influenced by the infant’s gender. Early discrimination at birth has been fueled by the dread of the husband’s rejection and disappointment if the child is a female. Even people who are aware that a father’s chromosomes determine the sex of the kid criticizes mothers for producing daughters.

Sex preference dates back to inheritance laws that only allowed males to inherit income and property. The desire for a son to uphold the family name and ensure fathers’ fictitious immortality has kept gender preference behind cultural trends.

This system is undeniably present in Nigeria and throughout Africa, and it has been consistently passed down from one generation to the next through a number of socialization agents, including the family.

Girls around the world are disproportionately affected by gender discrimination, which begins in childhood and continues to deprive children of their childhoods and limit their opportunities. A girl is more likely to be denied her rights, prevented from attending school, coerced into marriage, and subjected to abuse – with her voice, if it is heard at all, being discounted. This attack on infancy also robs nations of the vitality and skill required for advancement.

Societal norms often dictate specific gender roles and expectations for girls, reinforcing traditional ideas about their roles as caregivers and homemakers. This can restrict their access to education, opportunities for personal growth, and aspirations for careers beyond conventional roles. In some cultures, girls are married off at a very young age, preventing them from continuing their education and exposing them to various health risks associated with early pregnancies.

According to the world bank, in 2017 Over 41,000 girls were reportedly pushed into underage marriages daily The fundamental reason for these early marriages is how society and parents view girls.

43 per cent of girls in Nigeria are married before their 18th birthday and 16 per cent are married before the age of 15. 3 per cent of boys in Nigeria are married before the age of 18. Child marriage is most common in the North West and North East of Nigeria, where 68 per cent and 57 per cent of women aged 20-49 were married before their 18th birthday.

According to a 2017  World Bank/ICRW study , Nigeria might gain an additional USD 7.6 billion in revenues and productivity if child marriage were outlawed.

The Child Rights Act 2003 addresses issues including child abuse, child labour, and forced marriage among others in Nigeria, and has been fully domesticated in 34 of the 36 States that make up the Federation.

However, the question that emerges is whether the Act’s provisions have had enough of an influence on Nigerian children’s lives to change the narrative of an average Nigerian child whose life has not yet been guaranteed and who is not guaranteed access to a daily meal or adequate shelter.

In many societies, girls’ education is undervalued, and they are more likely to be kept out of school or receive lower-quality education compared to boys. This lack of education can lead to limited economic opportunities and perpetuate the cycle of gender inequality.

129 million females worldwide, including 32 million in elementary school and 97 million in secondary school, aren’t attending school, according to figures from UNESCO.

Female children may experience discrimination, harassment, or violence based on their gender, which affects their physical and emotional well-being and can lead to a sense of insecurity and fear. Discrimination against women and girls takes many different forms, including a lack of educational opportunities and cultural norms and practices that reinforce gender stereotypes.

Female children are often burdened with household chores and caregiving responsibilities at an early age, which can interfere with their ability to attend school regularly and pursue personal interests.

The adoption, release, and subsequent implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Gender Policy (IGP) between 2014 and 2019 set a precedent and raised awareness of gender and election concerns on a large scale. This brought to light the need for continued engagement with systemic hindrances and patriarchal strongholds like the monopoly of electoral and political processes in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

A just and inclusive society must prioritize gender equality as both a fundamental human right and a necessary social norm. Despite tremendous advancements in recent years, a number of legal and institutional obstacles still stand in the way of real gender equality.

GBV

Nigeria has a severe problem with gender-based violence, with common problems like domestic abuse, sexual assault, and people trafficking. Deeply ingrained patriarchal views and lax legal enforcement are frequently the fuel that drives these damaging acts.

Despite constitutional laws and international pledges to promote gender equality, Nigeria struggles to successfully enforce these ideals. The underrepresentation of women in political positions is a result of discriminatory laws and a lack of effective systems to deal with harassment and violence against women.

According to Section 353 of the Criminal Code Act, “any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any male person is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years,” but Section 360 of the same act states that “any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for two years.” This demonstrates the discrepancy in the law when it comes to the punishment for violence against both sexes.

A provision in the Police Act is found in Regulation 127, which states that “an unmarried female police officer who becomes pregnant shall be discharged from the force, and shall not be re-enlisted except with the approval of the inspector-general.”

Olajide Omolola, an unmarried police corporal assigned to the Iye-Ekiti station, was fired as a result of this clause.

The issue of discrimination against women in Nigeria extends back to the founding of the nation. This is prevalent in politics, workplaces, educational institutions, houses of worship, and customs and traditions.

In the workplace, there are several obstacles for women to overcome such as salary inequality, occupational segregation, and low representation in leadership roles. Discrimination policies, cultural norms, and conventional roles frequently restrict women to particular work sectors, which perpetuates gender inequity.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an ongoing issue, and women and girls continue to be especially susceptible to its various forms. Among the many ways gender-based violence is used are physical violence, sexual violence, and psychological abuse.

Threats, intimidation, and physical assaults against female politicians are frequent, which hinders their capacity to efficiently and openly campaign.

Recommendations:

Mmanti Umoh,  an influential activist at the frontline of gender equality in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria suggests Improving judicial systems and enforcement practices to safeguard women’s rights and stop gender-based violence. Increasing girls’ and women’s access to high-quality education and career training, especially in underserved areas.

Supporting female entrepreneurs and promoting financial inclusion to advance the economic empowerment of women. Promoting women’s political engagement through initiatives that improve their capacity and impose gender quotas. Increasing public awareness campaigns that oppose conventional gender norms and attitudes. Making investments in healthcare services and facilities to increase women’s access to medical treatment.

Addressing the veiled discrimination against women in Nigerian politics requires collective efforts from government, civil society, political parties, and the public. By implementing the recommended actions, Nigeria can move closer to achieving gender equality in political representation. Empowering women to participate in politics will not only benefit the nation by tapping into a broader pool of talent but will also lead to more inclusive and effective governance. It is time to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s political participation and pave the way for a more equitable and just future for Nigeria.

This story is part of the African Women in Media (AWiM)/Luminate Young Women in Politics Media Project.