On September 5, 1995, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United States, coined the phrase “women’s rights are human rights,” demonstrating that the struggle for women’s rights is a global issue that has been ongoing for centuries.
The right of women to live free from violence and discrimination, to receive an education, to earn equal pay, to occupy political positions, to have access to sexual and reproductive health, and other rights are not just confined to women but are fundamental human rights.
Despite Nigeria’s government being a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), women still face struggles in the country’s patriarchal society, which is rife with discriminatory customs and practices that devalue women.
According to the United Nations, half of the world’s population and potential is represented by women and girls. Therefore, gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also necessary to achieve peaceful societies, full human potential, and sustainable development. If we all respect women’s rights, we can achieve a society that is free of discrimination. It is critical to remember that women are humans too, and their rights are human rights. Gender inequality is everyone’s problem.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality
