As Nigerian women continue to face gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the country, the project manager, Actionaid Nigeria, Ekanem Okon has charged the federal government to include the study of gender in General Studies in school curriculum in tertiary institutions of learning in order to safeguard the fundamental human rights of women in the society.
Okon made this appeal in Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) where she presented a paper on the theme: “Gender and Women’s Rights in a Dynamic Society” in the Centre for Gender Studies of the university.
Okon emphasised that clashes between men and women often result from African traditional practices, gender inequality, imbalance, and injustice as well as human right issues and gender mainstreaming. She said all these factors limit the effectiveness of women in the society, lamenting that gender injustice, cultural practices and religion have discriminated against women and made them subordinates to men, instead of bringing out their dignities, freedom and providing security for the womenfolk.
Also the chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benue State University (BSU) chapter, Prof. Ukooh David Ironi has stressed that gender concepts are vastly against women so much that women live a triangular life, which he described as life in the parlour, kitchen and other room. David who also spoke on the theme, “Gender Equality for Development,” opined that women’s contribution to national development is so important that it cannot be over emphasized. The professor of Law maintained that analysis and investigation have shown that factors that hinder women development in Nigeria are income inequality, livelihood, education, health, political participation and violence against women.
In her welcome address, the director, Centre for Gender Studies and coordinator, Women in Academic, NSUK chapter, Dr. Hauwa’u Muhammad Mainoma disclosed that the symposium was organised to address the gender challenges and enlighten the public on issues concerning gender.
Mrs Mainoma noted that Nigeria as a developing economy has many gender problems which hamper the development of the society, and disclosed that the symposium was not limited to women issues alone but also men’s.
She said that both sexes are born equal and they should have equal opportunities.
“Women and men are born equal therefore, they should have equal right and equal access to opportunities,” she said.
She maintained that women should fully participate in economic and political decision making, and be allowed to use their God-given personal abilities without limitation.
The vice chancellor, NSUK, Prof. Muhammad Akaro Mainoma, represented by the deputy vice chancellor (administration), Prof. Grace Pennap applauded the organisers and expressed gratitude to their clamouring for the introduction of gender studies in tertiary institutions in the country.
