Bose Agbonmerele Ironsi is the founder and executive director of Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP). She is also the manager, IRETI Resource Centre. In this interview with ENE OSHABA, she speaks on the importance of the Gender Bills and why the 10th National Assembly should pass them into law.
There has been advocacy for the 10th NASS to pass Gender Bill declined by their predecessors. Why are these Bills important?
The primary objective of the Gender Bill is to address discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all genders, especially women. These five Gender Bills collectively aim to achieve several critical objectives.
The first, which is the Bill on Citizenship, seeks to grant foreign husbands of Nigerian women the same citizenship rights that are currently guaranteed to foreign wives of Nigerian men. Its aim is to ensure equal treatment and spousal rights under the law.
The Affirmative Action Bill aims to amend Section 223 to ensure that women occupy at least 35 per cent of political party administration and appointive positions which is crucial for promoting gender equality in political decision-making.
The Indigeneship Bill aims to allow women to claim their husbands’ state of origin after at least five years of marriage, addressing gender disparities in indigeneship rights.
The Bill on Ministerial or Commissioner Nomination seeks to ensure that at least 35 per cent of nominees for ministerial and commissioner positions are women, increasing gender diversity in government.
The Reserved Seat Bill aims to create additional seats for women in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assemblies. This is to enhance women’s participation in legislative bodies.
Why are they important for Nigeria?
These Bills are vital for Nigeria because they address deep-rooted gender disparities that have long persisted in our society.
They promote gender equity, increase representation and participation of women in political and governance structures; eliminate discriminatory practices in citizenship and indigeneship rights; and empower women to actively contribute to policy making.
How will you access efforts by gender advocates to mobilise and engage Nigerians, especially, the NASS to support these Bills?
Womanifesto is a group of over 500 women’s right groups, activists and practitioners. We are part of this powerful group of women, actively championing these gender bills.
Separately and together, we have made commendable efforts in raising awareness and mobilizing support for these bills. Efforts such as Community mobilization, advocacy partnerships, legislative engagement and walks have been carried out by CSOs, NGOs, Women’s groups and international agencies.
We rely heavily on these collaborations and partnerships, community engagements and many more.
Are there success stories from other countries that inspire your efforts?
Yes, success stories from countries like Rwanda, Norway, Iceland, among others which achieved impressive levels of women’s political representation, inspire our efforts. If Nigeria adapt these successful strategies, where do you think we will be in years to come?
Let’s look at their peculiarities. Rwanda is often cited as a remarkable success story in promoting gender equality through legislation.
After the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, the country underwent a significant political and social transformation. Rwanda adopted a quota system in its constitution, requiring that at least 30 per cent of parliamentary seats be reserved for women. In practice, women’s representation in the Rwandan parliament now exceeds 60 per cent, making Rwanda the world leader in terms of female political participation.
This legislative measure has not only empowered women but has also contributed to Rwanda’s stability, development, and social progress.
Norway introduced a gender quota law in 2006, requiring that publicly traded companies have at least 40 per cent of board seats held by women.
This legislation led to a significant increase in female representation on corporate boards.
The success of this policy has prompted other countries and corporations worldwide to consider similar measures to enhance gender diversity and equal opportunities in the corporate sector.
On its part, Iceland has taken legislative measures to address the gender pay gap. The country passed a law requiring employers to prove that they offer equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. This legislation has played a crucial role in reducing the gender pay gap in Iceland, inspiring similar efforts in other nations to achieve wage equality.
What are the key challenges faced in the past, and how should they be addressed?
The Gender Bills have faced significant challenges in the past. These challenges stem from various factors including: cultural norms and gender stereotypes; lack of political will; and limited public awareness; among others.
To address these challenges during the reintroduction process we have introduced some measures that include: forming coalitions with other civil society organisations, women’s groups, and NGOs to amplify advocacy efforts and strengthen the collective voice for gender equality.
Also, we are fostering a culture of citizen engagement by organising town hall meetings, webinars, and public consultations to allow Nigerians to voice their opinions and concerns.
Similarly, we are developing strong relationships with lawmakers to educate them on the Bills’ significance, and engage them in discussions about the Bills’ content.
We are also utilising the media, including social media, to disseminate information about the gender bills, share success stories, and counter misinformation or opposition.
Seeking support from international organisations and foreign governments that prioritize gender equality and can exert diplomatic pressure.
Others include, establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of advocacy efforts and adapt strategies based on feedback and results.
In the same vein, recognising that social and legislative change can be slow. Maintain a long-term perspective and commitment to advancing gender equality.
Conducting targeted advocacy campaigns to dispel misconceptions and Engagement with lawmakers and build political support, as well.
It is crucial for Nigerians to take ownership of these Bills and actively pursue them with their representatives.
These Bills will serve Nigerian women who form almost 50 per cent of the population. Nigerians’ ownership of these bills is essential because this will not only affect our society’s well-being but the future.
How can individuals and communities get involved or contribute to the advocacy?
Individuals and communities can also play pivotal roles via participating in awareness campaigns and events.
They can engage with local representatives to express support for the bills, share information on social media to raise awareness, as well as donating to, or volunteering with organisations working on gender equality.
What are the expected benefits or positive outcomes for Nigerian society once these Bills are passed into law?
Upon passing these Bills into law, Nigerian society can expect: greater gender equality in all spheres of life; more empowerment of women to claim their state of origin; enhanced diversity in political parties and government.
It will also reduce discrimination against women and in turn Improve political representation of women.
What is your message to NASS and the general public on the urgency of these Bills?
I urge lawmakers to recognise the urgency and significance of these gender bills. They hold the power to create a more equitable and just Nigeria.
To the general public, I urge you to stand with us, support these bills, and help build a Nigeria where every woman and girl can thrive without discrimination or fear. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
