Is Nigeria's Gender Equality Bill Unnecessary?

On December 15th, 2021, the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) rejected the Gender and Equal Opportunity (GEO) Bill for the second time. This decision sparked nationwide discussions about gender rights and equality. NASS argued that the Nigerian constitution already protects women's rights, making the bill seem unnecessary. This decision has led to debates on whether the GEO Bill is indeed redundant or a crucial step towards gender equality in Nigeria.

The Harsh Reality of Gender Inequality in Nigeria

Despite claims to the contrary, Nigeria remains a country where gender inequality is widespread.

Women make up nearly half of the population, yet the nation ranks 183rd out of 192 countries in terms of female representation in parliament, with only 3.6% of seats held by women. At the local government level, women occupy just 9.8% of seats, and only 3.1% of the senate seats belong to women, which is a mere 3 out of 98 seats.

The Global Gender Gap Index of 2023 ranks Nigeria 130th out of 146 countries, with a score of 0.637. Financial inclusion for Nigerian women stands at 35%, yet the nation scores a low 27.3% in the financial inclusion index. Alarmingly, Nigeria's position in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) index dropped to 162nd out of 177 countries in 2023, from 130th out of 170 countries in the previous edition.

Constitutional Provisions and Their Limitations

Critics of the Gender Equality Bill argue that section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, should suffice. However, this argument overlooks other legislative provisions that undermine women's rights.

• The Marriage Act lacks a defined minimum age for marriage, indirectly allowing child marriage.
• The Penal Code's Section 55 permits a husband to physically discipline his wife, while Section 26 restricts a Nigerian woman's ability to pass her nationality to a foreign spouse.
• Furthermore, the Nigerian criminal code does not recognize marital rape as a crime.

The Way Forward

Addressing the gender gap requires awareness. Both men and women must acknowledge the severity of the current disparities and the challenges women face across various sectors. Leadership, government, and institutions must stop trivializing women's issues, as these are not solely 'women's issues' but societal problems that affect everyone.

Why is this important?

The answer is simple: gender equity benefits not only women but is an economic necessity. A nation can only reach its full potential when both women and men participate equally in the economy. In Nigeria, where women make up nearly half the population, sidelining a significant portion of the workforce is not just unfair; it's economically unsustainable.

The Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill should not be seen as redundant legislation but as a crucial framework to address the specific challenges women face. It aims to bridge the gaps in existing laws and create a more equitable society where every citizen can contribute to national progress without gender-based discrimination.

As Nigeria continues its development journey, it is vital to recognize that gender equality is not an optional agenda but a fundamental one that requires urgent and collective efforts from all sectors of society.

The post first appeared on That Ambitious Girl- (Your digital gateway to the narratives that shape the world of gender equity and inclusion.)