WOMEN LIBERATION AND EMPOWERMENT IN AFRICA: ISSUES OF THE DAY.

By

Ritchie Ejiofor

The recent formation of a female right group by undergraduate students in one of the existing universities is a welcome development and signal that Nigeria female are bracing up to the challenges posed by an all male dominated society and is also an indication of the level of awareness the need for gender equalities and female liberation has reached in the society. Women liberation as an issue is grossly misunderstood or misinterpreted by the larger society to mean usurpation of the traditional male superiority "age long held and reinforced through cultural antecedents. Advocates of women rights and empowerment are viewed as a bunch of "misdirected" western indoctrinated woman who are heel bent on upsetting the stereotype.

This widely held notion is far from the truth and should consequently be discarded like a piece of garbage. With increasing awareness, and the world getting more complex and dynamic, issues of women liberation should be of vital importance to all and should deserve urgent recognition and consideration .The formation of these all female group in one of our universities concern itself basically with one of the most rampant and wide spread practices, of female discrimination and sexual abuse to wit: sexual harassment in our citadel of learning, efforts should be directed to accord this group and similar ones with investigating impartially reported cases by law enforcement agency responsible for such matters.

It becomes reasonable to assume and assert that, the much taunted gains of Beijing conference during the hey days of Better life days was more of a cosmetic show of and a praise singing gyration by the "wealthy and informed participants" who were quick to throw away resolutions of this conference to drudgery files cabinet in civil service ministry of women affairs. The gains of post colonial women activist have only remained a lip service theme used only for purposes of elementary history cum social studies class.

Even amongst women in Nigeria, opinions are divided over absolute or partial liberation or equalities between genders. This has even resulted in the women acknowledging traditional societal acceptance of male child superiority over the female child.

It is time our women are able to assert themselves and all inhibitions in their aspirations be removed. Female in African countries should have same guarantee like their counterparts in other parts of the world .The notion of gender equality should presuppose that, sexual discrimination in places of work, school, worship, and in all ramification be eradicated and women should be given equal access just as men are give without any fear of favor. There should be no justification for domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape against the female gender. It is curious to note that there are daily occurrence of sexual assaults, abuse and discrimination in African countries without proper remedies and protection for this helpless women, who in majority of cases have to deal with perverted male dominated environment and culture that tacitly encourages male superiority theory and therefore, threats the female gender like the lesser partner.

It was reported how some female who wore Trouser pants where stripped naked and abused by military men in Abuja federal secretariat, and there was not as much protest over this crude act. Daily, there are growing incidences of similar mistreatment against women with some happening even in police stations! Our women have come to accept domestic violence, gender inequality, sexual harassment as fait accompli and part of normal life situation and norm. All gender should be free to dress freely have same protection under the statues and laws without having to deal with differential standard for each gender.

It should not take the cries of motley undergrads to reawaken in us our moral and constitutional duties and responsibilities.

Methinks that the foot dragging on the issue of gender liberation by our leaders may have its root from the fact that, almost every body or majority seem to be culprit of this crime and any attempt at sanitizing the society, would unearth so many skeletons that no one is willing to bury. But we must not give in to this temptation in not properly addressing these issues. Another typical example of gender discrimination is the denial of women into the Nigeria defense Academy. And the ceiling on women to mainly non-combatant corps in the military.

In synopsis there fore, the process of advancing gender equality and how to redress sexual harassment, abuse and discrimination, should necessarily start from the family level. It should be thought from elementary school as an integral part of the learning process and backed up by legislation to safe guard the gains to be made of .It should not end with mere proclamation of the wonders of Beijing conference. Rather, women right activist should intensify pressure on the legislature to promulgate necessary laws to tackle those aforementioned issues and beyond like outlawing polygamy, widow hood rites etc.

For what is good for the goose, is good too for the gander. I do not conceive yet why the law and Present African societies in this 21^st century does not consider providing same and equal protection for the female sex as it does for the men.

LET US ALL RISE UP TO THE CHALLENGES. I DOFF MY HAT FOR YOU ALL IN STRUGGLE FOR EMANCIPATION.

EJIOFOR, RITCHIE