Legislation, sensitisation instrumental to gender parity — Abiodun Essiet

In this interview with Sonia Samuel and Ariemu Ogaga, Special Adviser to the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on ICT/Civil Societies and Donor Agencies, a gender advocate and public health consultant, Abiodun Essiet, fielded answers to questions bordering on women-related issues in Nigeria. She also shared insights on her campaign for women’s participation in politics.

Being a gender advocate in a patriarchal society like ours comes with a host of challenges. What are some of these challenges and how are you  tackling them?

Following the trend of the new development in the national assembly, you could see how disappointed women were. One of the issues women are faced with are things we felt needs legal backing to address and one of the easiest way to get this is through the constitution. Once they called for the constitutional amendment, we made our provision known to the members, they did their best to accept some of our amendment. Putting it up to the Federal level about 110 co-sponsored some of our provisions but 91 voted which means we have an issue.

These provisions were 25% distribution of women in appointing positions, citizenships for husbands that are not Nigerians, diaspora voting, 35% inclusion of women in party leadership and an extra seat of one-tenth. The spokesman for national assembly spoke to us that we didn’t lobby well. For women development we need the formal and informal sector which will be a legal document but since it has been rejected we don’t know when the next administration will call for another review.

Celebrating women’s day as a nation, do you think we are getting it right when it comes to women’s participation in politics?

No, we aren’t getting it right because we don’t have enabling environment, legal instrument to back up whatever we are doing now. That the national assembly voted against the 35% inclusion of women in political structure shows they don’t want women to develop politically.

Recently, the Senate and House of Representatives rejected some gender bills. What do you think is the impact of this development on the advocacy for gender equality and equity?

This rejection of our bill has taken us 70 to 100 years backwards because it is supposed to lead us forward, that is why we have declared this month as a black month for us because this rejection was done on the first day of the month of March which is supposed to be the start of women’s celebration.

You own an NGO, Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls (AEIG), how would you evaluate your activities and achievements in fulfilling the mandate of your NGO? How have you been impacting?

We have been able to do well by promoting and fulfilling our vision which is to ensure women and girl-child development by empowering women, providing scholarship for girl-child, most importantly we have started working with indigenous people within the FCT to promote the rights of the indigenous people and with the support of marketable foundation week are in right step to achieving our goals.

How does being a gender advocate reinforce your role as a woman in politics and a leadership role? Do you think the government is doing enough for women?

The government in their different levels are trying. This NGO is a means to make people understand the issues women are facing politically. It would be nice to have women in politics because they would better understand our plights. My activity has helped raise awareness and also let people know at different levels of government the rights of women. For the just concluded Area Council election, we don’t have any woman as the chairman in FCT and in the 62 councillors. As a gender activist, I have advocated for all the chairman elected for the Area Council to appoint at least 25% of women in their cabinet so that we can have their inclusion.

To achieve true gender parity in every sphere of endeavors, what do you think must be put in place? How can we effectively tackle gender bias?

That would be legal instrument but most importantly sensitise the public about the role of women and the issues women faces. Also, let the men both traditional rulers and stakeholders inclusive understand the need for them to advocate for women. We are changing strategy and saying in our major constituency that we want our issues to be a major priority and we want to be part of the game.

How do you ensure participation is actualised in your constituency?

From my own area of influence and as a participant at the grassroot politics, that is, the local government, I participated in the last election as the vice chairmanship candidate APC because I felt I wanted to add our voice until the supreme Court judgement came to disrupt our plans. My participation is not only saying women should run but encourage women to participate in politics. I have also been advocating for education of women in appointive positions at the local level up to the federal level.

If there’s one thing you would change before the next International Women’s Day, what would it be?

That would be the perception of men on the inclusion of women in leadership. Make them understand that the presence of women isn’t to take over but understanding that women are also part of the country and the country has needs pertaining to women and only them can understand and take decisions.

Is Nigeria ready for a female governor or president?

If we have a strong female candidate, then yes.

Is there anything you would like to tell the girl-child and women out there?

I encourage all girl-child in this country despite the social circumstances you were born into, know that you are a queen in the making, you are someone with a bright future, God loves you because He is compassionate about women. The future may not seem bright now but push for it and take it.

How would you feel if the bill is adopted?

It would be an amazing news, and it will show that in 2023, women will be in a better position because our presence will bring policy change and development in all areas.