Speak Wednesday

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender Equality, Nation Building, Politics, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights /

The significance of women’s involvement in politics cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Women have been inadequately represented in politics throughout history due to various cultural factors. On the other hand, recent advances by women in politics have proven the importance of equal representation for women in this sphere. Despite advances in some areas, women in Nigeria face several hurdles when entering politics. Traditional gender roles, patriarchal conventions, and negative stereotypes frequently impede women from seeking active engagement in politics.

 

In Nigeria, the National Gender Policy (NGP) was created in 2006 to address the gender imbalance. The NGP advocates for a 35% Affirmative Action (AA) to ensure women are adequately represented in all governance processes.

 

Significantly, women in leadership positions, especially in developing nations, have the obligation and the potential to affect their society through leadership, particularly when empowered. Women who are empowered can aspirate for, achieve, and excel in leadership roles while also playing their roles at home.

 

Women are empowered when educated, exposed, and given economic freedom. Women in leadership roles have had an excellent social impact throughout history and in every nation. Such women have a long history in human history. Notably, influential figures such as Okonjo Iweala and Dora Akunyili have demonstrated that women can significantly contribute to a country’s political economy.

 

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

 

#SpeakWednesday #WomenInPolitics #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

REFERENCES

Emeka, E. O & Monica, E. A. 2015. Women and Leadership in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT ON WOMEN’S CAREERS.

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights /

 

The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women’s Careers

The International Labour Organization defines sexual harassment as unwelcome and offensive behavior of a sexual nature that targets individuals based on their sex. Sexual harassment is a widespread problem that impacts women’s careers more than any other area of their lives. The prevalence of sexual harassment at work impedes women’s advancement and limits their ability to advance professionally.

According to a study conducted by the International Centre for Research on Women in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, approximately 80% of Nigerian women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their workplaces.

Sexual harassment fosters a toxic workplace culture, which lowers women’s job satisfaction and increases their departure rates. According to the ICRW survey, 45% of Nigerian women who had experienced sexual harassment at work decided to leave their positions, which interfered with their professional trajectories and reduced their possibilities for progress.

Furthermore, women’s careers are severely disrupted by sexual harassment, which results in traumatic events that affect their ability to advance professionally. The research by the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF) shows that sexual harassment frequently causes affected women to have lower job satisfaction, lower productivity, and higher turnover rates. The trauma brought on by such events can also cause ongoing emotional anguish, impacting one’s self-worth and confidence at work.

In Nigeria, sexual harassment affects women’s careers negatively, impeding their personal and professional advancement. The fact that this problem is so common highlights the urgent need for all-encompassing measures to combat and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Creating inclusive workplaces that promote gender equality and guarantee the unrestricted career advancement of Nigerian women requires strengthening regulatory frameworks, raising awareness, and cultivating a supportive environment that empowers women.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #SexualHarassment #SayNoToSexualHarassment #Women’srights #genderequality #genderbias

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Combating Cyberviolence Against Women

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights /

The widespread usage of the internet and the quick development of technology have had various positive effects on society. They have, however, also contributed to a worrying development: cyberviolence against women. Women’s safety, privacy, and wellbeing are seriously threatened by this type of online assault. This, the UN identified as a kind of gender-based violence that exacerbates existing inequities.

According to UN Women, cyberviolence against women takes various forms, such as sexual harassment, stalking, intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and misogynistic hate speech. Additionally, technology is used to facilitate other forms of violence, including intimate partner or domestic violence and trafficking. These digital tools enable abusers to monitor, track, threaten, and perpetrate violence, while traffickers exploit technology to profile, recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Reports by UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women highlight the adverse impacts of cyberviolence, including psychological and emotional distress, fear, social isolation, and educational and professional consequences faced by victims.

Women at heightened risks of cyberviolence includes young women and girls, women in public life including women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, women in politics, and women journalists.

Nigeria has taken significant steps to address cyberviolence against women through its legal system. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalizes various forms of cyberviolence, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting women from online abuse and provides a legal framework to prosecute perpetrators. Furthermore, legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes cyberviolence as a form of violence against women. These legislative measures provide a foundation for protecting women from online abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Although Nigeria has made strides in addressing cyberviolence against women, stronger enforcement measures are required to guarantee that existing laws are implemented. 

Raising awareness and promoting legislative changes are essential components in the fight against cyberviolence against women, in addition to legal measures. Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media outreach should emphasize raising awareness of the seriousness of the problem, encouraging appropriate online conduct, and creating an environment where women may feel respected and safe.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Cyberviolence #GenderBasedViolence #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

 

 

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights /

Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices: Examining the Impact on Female Children in Nigeria

 

In Nigeria, young girls face significant challenges when choosing their career paths due to gender-based limitations. Despite progress in women’s rights and gender equality, traditional views, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors still limit the career options available to girls. These biases have contributed to a significant gender gap in many professions. Unfortunately, like many others, Nigerian society continues to adhere to gender norms that restrict the career opportunities available to female children. Cultural factors like patriarchal standards and expectations of women’s domestic responsibilities have perpetuated the belief that certain professions are better suited for men.

 

According to the World Bank’s report on gender disparities in Nigeria, cultural biases discourage girls from pursuing careers in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), often considered male-dominated. This leads to a persistent gender gap in these fields and limits educational and employment opportunities for girls. Factors such as limited access to quality education, early marriage, poverty, inadequate educational infrastructure, and cultural norms favoring boys’ education further restrict girls’ career choices in Nigeria.

 

The limitations placed on female students’ career options based on gender in Nigeria profoundly impact both the individual and the larger society. Limiting girls’ goals undermines their personal growth, perpetuates gender inequality, and obstructs the nation’s progress towards achieving gender equality and socioeconomic development.

 

In 2022, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by educating over 40 students and teachers from Junior Secondary School Gosa – Abuja about the negative impacts of gender-based violence and encouraging students to pursue their preferred fields, including STEM-related ones, regardless of gender.

 

Addressing gender-based restrictions on career choices for female children in Nigeria requires a holistic approach encompassing education, awareness, and equal opportunities. By challenging traditional gender roles, providing role models, ensuring access to quality education, and promoting options in male-dominated fields, we can empower girls to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s progress. Through these concerted efforts, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and equitable society where all children have the freedom to choose their desired career paths, irrespective of gender.

 

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

 

#SpeakWednesday #Career #Girl’sRights #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality #Nigeria #Progress

 

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON MITIGATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights /

Gender-based violence refers to violence, harm, or discrimination based on gender. It affects primarily women and girls but can impact others too. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. This form of violence arises from unequal power dynamics and harmful social norms. It violates human rights and has severe consequences. Addressing it is essential for gender equality and creating a violence-free society.

Education and Awareness. 

Promoting comprehensive and gender-sensitive education programs challenge harmful stereotypes, promotes gender equality, and fosters respectful relationships among people. 

Empowerment and economic opportunities. 

The provision of economic empowerment initiatives, skills training, and access to resources for women and marginalized communities will help to reduce economic dependence and enhance their autonomy.

Men and boys engagement. 

Engaging men and boys as allies and change agents in addressing gender-based violence through education, awareness programs, and promoting positive masculinity will reduce the rate of gender-based violence in society.

Speak Out! Break the Silence!

GBV thrives in silence and secrecy. By speaking out, survivors break the silence, giving voice to their experiences and empowering others to do the same. This collective voice exposes the magnitude of the problem and encourages others to come forward.

Legal reforms and implementation.

Strengthen legal frameworks and ensure their effective implementation to provide protection, support, and justice for survivors of gender-based violence. This includes enforcing laws, improving access to legal aid, and training law enforcement and judicial personnel.

 

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN IN PEACE BUILDING

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights /

 Women have often demonstrated their ability to bring about constructive change in conflict-affected societies. According to UNICEF, involving women in peace processes increases the likelihood of long-term peace. In their peacebuilding efforts, women frequently prioritize communal welfare and human security, developing understanding, compassion, and conversation. Their involvement can assist to establish bridges, foster reconciliation, and more effectively address the core causes of conflict.

The significance of women’s engagement in peacebuilding initiatives has grown in recent decades. Women bring unique perspectives, abilities, and experiences to the table, making them vital change agents in the development of peaceful and inclusive societies. Women have distinct viewpoints that are molded by their experiences and positions in communities. The competence of women in fields including healthcare, education, and community development is critical for post-conflict reconstruction, according to the World Health Organization.

Furthermore, the presence of women in peacebuilding guarantees that peacebuilding initiatives are thorough, encompassing various facets of society. The SDGs; SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) are all aligned with women’s involvement in peacebuilding.

Consequently, women’s active involvement in peacebuilding is essential for achieving long-lasting peace in addition to being an issue of equity and justice. By respecting the perspectives, skills, and voices of women, we can build a more inclusive world.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #WomenInPeacebuilding #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

     

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES IN NIGERIA: AN INSIGHT

Speak Wednesday /

Women in Nigeria’s crisis zones face several problems, which are frequently exacerbated by deep-seated gender bias. Armed conflicts and violence have had devastating effects various communities in Nigeria, with women bearing the brunt of the burden. These difficulties are frequently made worse by gender-based discrimination and biases that pervade numerous facets of their lives.
One of the most significant challenges faced by women in conflict zones is exposure to various forms of gender-based violence. Research by the United Nations indicates that women in Nigeria’s conflict zones are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, domestic abuse, forced marriages, and human trafficking. In conflict zones, societal norms and the rule of law frequently break down, allowing offenders to get away with crimes. The difficulties faced by survivors of gender-based violence are further worsened by their limited ability to access justice and their lack of access to safe spaces.

In addition, due to gender bias, women in conflict zones suffer barriers to receiving sufficient healthcare and reproductive rights. World Health Organization reports that women’s access to reproductive healthcare, including prenatal care, family planning, and safe delivery, is hampered by destroyed infrastructure, disrupted healthcare services, and cultural barriers. This lack of access jeopardizes women’s health and well-being, contributing to higher rates of maternal and new-born mortality. Furthermore, gender prejudices may hinder women’s rights in making reproductive health decisions, restricting their choices and control over their bodies.

Women in conflict zones in Nigeria suffer displacement, limited decision-making capacity, gender-based violence and discrimination, limited access to education and healthcare, and economic disempowerment, all of which are intensified by deeply embedded gender prejudices.

To address these issues, a complete approach that encompasses dispute resolution, protective measures, access to vital services, economic possibilities, and gender-responsive policies is required. The Nigerian government and stakeholders can cultivate resilience, promote gender equality, empower women, and create conditions for long-term peace and development by emphasizing the needs of women in conflict-affected areas.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #WomenInConflictZones #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN IN THE WORK PLACE

Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights /

The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 (VAPP Act) in Section 24 defines sexual harassment as an unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or other conduct based on sex or gender which is persistent, serious and demeans, humiliates or creates a hostile or intimidating environment and this may include physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a common problem, with women being the primary victims. This could be because of societal standards and gender stereotypes that portray women as weaker, more emotional, and subservient. These misconceptions can contribute to a workplace atmosphere in which men believe they have the right to harass women without consequence. This attitude of entitlement can also be fuelled by workplace power dynamics, such as a male supervisor or co-worker who has greater seniority than a female employee. Power dynamics, physical appearance, and a lack of repercussions for offenders are also contributing factors.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, including unwanted sexual advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact. A male co-worker, for example, may make improper comments regarding a female colleague’s attractiveness or make sexually suggestive remarks. Alternatively, a female employee may be subjected to unwanted touching or advances from her male supervisor. These behaviours can create an uncomfortable and threatening work environment for the victim, leading to lower productivity, job satisfaction, and even mental health issues.

Employers must take a proactive approach to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. One of the most critical measures is to develop clear policies and procedures that ban sexual harassment and outline a process for reporting and dealing with it. For example, the National Industrial Court in the case of Ejike Maduka vs Microsoft stated that an employer can be held vicariously liable for the sexual harassment committed by its employees. There is a duty on employers to have a policy on sexual harassment and to investigate cases in line with the policy where they are reported.

In summary, sexual harassment of women at work is a major problem with substantial implications for victims. Employers must take a proactive approach to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment by developing clear policies and processes, providing training, fostering open communication, and responding quickly and appropriately to all accusations of sexual harassment. Employers, co-workers, and victims can work together to create a safe and respectful workplace where all employees can succeed.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #SexualHarassment #MeToo #WomensRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON STEREOTYPES AGAINST WOMEN IN PROFESSIONS

Speak Wednesday, Uncategorized /

Gender stereotypes often play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards women in certain professions or industries. Some examples of this include:

1. STEM fields: Women are often discouraged from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields because they are perceived as being better suited for “caring” or “nurturing” professions. This can lead to fewer representation of women in these fields.
2. Healthcare: Women are often assumed to be more compassionate and nurturing than men, which can result in them being stereotyped into certain roles within the healthcare industry, such as nursing or social work. This can limit their opportunities for advancement.
3. Law and politics: Women who work in these fields are often subjected to sexism and gender-based stereotypes, such as being seen as “not tough enough” to handle the demands of the job. This can lead to fewer women running for office or appointed to political positions.
4. Entertainment and media: Women in the entertainment and media industries are often objectified and sexualized, which reinforces gender stereotypes and can limit their opportunities for meaningful roles.
Addressing these gender stereotypes is important for creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace, and for ensuring that women have equal opportunities to succeed in all professions and industries. This can involve efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, provide mentorship and training opportunities for women, and combat gender-based stereotypes through education and awareness-raising campaigns.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – EQUALITY BEGINS AT HOME

Speak Wednesday /

Parents are everyone’s first teachers, and the first learning environment for children is at home.

It is therefore safe to say that gender equality starts at home. A child’s learning and outlook on the world are influenced by their parents, caregivers, guardians, and environment. Equal rights knowledge and advocacy begin at home, with parents setting a positive example, especially in the way they treat their offspring.

The system of gender roles at home should be abandoned, children should be treated equally, children should be given the opportunity to speak up, gender-specific home dialogues should be had, and parents and caregivers should set an example for their children because they imitate what they see. The existence of this information in the home will support positive attitudes toward gender parity, empower kids—especially girls—and generate a brighter future for everybody.

Just like David O. McKay rightfully said, the home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life… Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children…”

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #EqualityBeginsAtHome #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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