Re-Engineering the Conversations Around Gender Equality

Re-Engineering the Conversations Around Gender Equality

“You’re joking, aren’t you, Tawakalit? I mean, why not contest for the position of Vice President, it’s better suited for a female.”

I was standing to be elected the 28th President of a student body at my University, and this statement is one I heard many times, from different people, using different words. While the tone and phrasing may have differed, the sentiment was the same: ‘a woman should know her place’, and that place was certainly not being the second female president of an organisation that had been in existence for nearly three decades.

It was not surprising. It still isn’t. Unfortunately, this pervasive thinking that being female is somehow synonymous with being less – less capable of critical thought, action, and leadership, is still a reality today. This thinking feeds into a narrative that showcases women as people to be managed and handled, to be ‘disciplined’ in the case of a misstep, and to have decisions taken about their lives while disregarding input about their lived experiences. And it is not just some harmless tradition passed on from one generation to another; it indeed has far-reaching effects on women’s sexual, economic, physical and psychological health.

It is true there are circumstances uniquely positioned to offer women ‘privileges’ as a result of their gender. For example, the woman who hits a man at the bus-stop knowing she will get away with this terrible act, especially with public sentiment that portrays her as an emotional entity. This is a reflection of society’s expectation and the categorisation of women.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 23 million girls and women were married off as children in Nigeria, effectively making the country one with the largest number of child brides in Africa. At such a young age, these girls are more at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), especially Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from their husbands, who are often more experienced and have had multiple sexual partners.

It is not unusual to know of families whose daughters are effectively used as a poverty alleviation program, married off to the highest bidders before they even come into the fullness of their being. These girl children, now home builders, are deprived of an education and grow to be disadvantaged economically.

Reports by the Food and Agriculture Organisation show that only an average of 15% of women in sub-Sahara Africa are agricultural landholders, even though women make up 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, and agriculture remains a viable sector for women in those countries. Around the world, 1.8 billion people lack access to clean water. Women and girls are often responsible for multiple trips to fetch water from sources located far away from their homes. This takes away ample time and focuses on activities like schooling, consequently increasing the already existent economic inequality.

Some realities of girls and women

I lived and worked in Kano, a state in Northwest Nigeria from April 2016 to April 2017. I was a Chemistry teacher in a secondary school, and that experience made me cognisant of a few things.

Society’s defined limits for women and girls: One, a lot of the girls were unaware of what it meant to have personal dreams. They stayed quiet during academic discussions and allowed the boys to take the lead because that was their normal. It was known that many of them would not proceed to the university after their secondary school education, not for a lack of interest, but because they had reached the ceiling constructed by their families and needed to get married. So, what was the point of trying when the end was already certain?

Domestic and sexual violence: In September 2018, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team in Lagos state, Nigeria, reported that over 3,000 cases of domestic and sexual violence were reported in Lagos between January and August. I cringe when I think about the number of women who did not report because they have been consistently told that marriage is the sum-total of all they should aspire towards, and so speaking of injustice in it somehow diminishes them as persons.

The ideal wife syndrome: Covertly and overtly, the society tells women to stay in marriages that no longer serve them while normalising the abuse and risk of life they constantly face. How many women have died in unions they should have fled from because it was the “good woman” thing to do? These are the same women who keep quiet when their daughters, sisters, and maids get raped; labelling the crime as a family matter and helping a culprit evade the law.

It all seems like gloom and doom; what CAN we do? What can YOU do?

1. Be an active ally

Start in your homes, when a family meeting is called, and the woman is there to listen to reasons she should remain with an abusive husband and continue praying for him. Educate your family members on why, as a matter of fact, she must not stay with an abusive partner, thereby endangering her life and even that of any children they may have.

Start in your schools, where there is a natural expectation that men should lead and women should be followers; during elections – where passionate women are reduced to non-existent episodes of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and midlife crisis. You can do this by actively campaigning for women who are qualified and champion their cause to be judged on the basis of their capabilities, and not their gender.

It is not enough to say that you don’t believe women should be subjugated, while still being a silent part of that subjugation thriving. Speak up. Join their cause. Educate the people around you. Be an active part of making the solutions our reality and not just opinions that you agree with.

It is not okay that a random guy at the bus-stop sexualises the lady who walks past. It is not normal that your guys have inside (and outside) conversations where they talk about all women executives sleeping their way to the top. These beliefs, these outlooks, impact on the perception of women and their works in very real ways. Let the random guy at the bus-stop know that the lady’s body is not his to talk about. Learn about the journey of women executives – Google is a free tool.

According to the McKinsey Global Institute report 2015, the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could be increased by as much as $12 trillion by 2025 by advancing women’s equality. You can be a part of making that a reality by being an active ally in some (or all) of the ways highlighted above.

2. Develop interest in proposed bills and government

Probably because of the constant disappointment in each crop of leaders we elect, a lot of young people in Africa simply go with the flow of whatever government is in power and whatever policies they push forward. As long as it doesn’t affect us too much, we adjust to the situation. I am guilty of sustaining this status quo, and so, I am committed to being an actor in changing this narrative.

In 2016, the Nigerian Senate rejected the bill on gender equality in marriage. This bill was ‘A Bill seeking Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women’. It was presented by Abiodun Olujimi, the deputy minority whip, and it sought equal rights for women in marriage, job, and education. For example, this bill would have ensured that a widow would automatically become the guardian of her children if her husband dies and also inherit his property, which is not the case in some parts of Nigeria today.

Only 25% of ministerial level positions in Ghana are occupied by women.

In Togo, women make up 16.48% of parliament. In Nigeria, the percentage of women in parliament is less than 5%. As at January 2019, women made up only 24.3% of parliamentarians globally.

Drawing on data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, African countries like Rwanda, Namibia, and South Africa are proof that the continent can get it right. Women can function in ministerial positions other than being in charge of women and family affairs. We must completely dismantle the box that we have placed them in overtime.

Women-focused platforms like that of Diary of a Naija Girl on Instagram have been instrumental in helping women carve a different meaning of what it means to be woman and African. Ashake Foundation in Nigeria does important work providing entrepreneurship training for widows so they have the right skills to empower themselves. But there is still work to be done.

Let our actions speak louder than our words

Next time your girl child tells you she is contesting for the post of the class captain, don’t tell her it’s a position meant only for boys and colour her perception of the things she can aspire to.

Next time your wife gets a promotion at work, discuss how her dreams can exist alongside her roles as mother and wife instead of automatically assuming that her dreams have to take the back seat.

Next time the conversation about rape comes up, condemn the act in the strongest terms and do not take the side of the rapist.

In societies where women are constantly given the impression that their humanity is not as valid by virtue of their gender, it is important that we amplify our voices and re-engineer the conversations women are having with self and in their interaction with the society.

 

NOTE: Opinion expressed in this article are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the West Africa Civil Society

About the author

Kareem is a Writer, Editor and advocate for Gender Equality. She works in Communications across non-governmental organisations that focus on women’s rights and improving access to quality education. She is the Founder of The Butterfly Project, an initiative that provides free digital skills training for young women. Kareem is an Alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a member, 2019 Class of the Patricia Eromon Iyioha Foundation Fund, Inc (PEIFFund). Her articles have been published in African Leadership Magazine, Modern Ghana, Sheroes NG and others.

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Tawakalit Kareem

Kareem is a Writer, Editor and advocate for Gender Equality. She works in Communications across non-governmental organisations that focus on women’s rights and improving access to quality education. She is the Founder of The Butterfly Project, an initiative that provides free digital skills training for young women. Kareem is an Alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a member, 2019 Class of the Patricia Eromon Iyioha Foundation Fund, Inc (PEIFFund). Her articles have been published in African Leadership Magazine, Modern Ghana, Sheroes NG and others.

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FIIFI BOATENG

Fiifi is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Communications and Information Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. He joined the Institute in December 2020.

NANCY KANKAM KUSI

Nancy is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. She joined the Institute in January 2021.

AGNES ADWOA ANIMA

Agnes is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Head of the Administration unit in the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2021.

DORIS ODEI

Doris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social sciences (Economics and Sociology) from the University of Cape Coast. She is passionate about impacting young lives hence co-founded Impart Foundation. A non-profit organization which seeks to empower young lives through education, technology and entrepreneurship.

PRINCE AKOWUAH

Prince Akowuah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Assistant in the Translation Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

MAXWELL APENTENG

Maxwell Apenteng is a Ghanaian and joined WACSI in September 2010. He provides gardening and janitorial services at the Institute.

GEORGE ADU-MINTAH

George Adu-Mintah is a Ghanaian and currently the Protocol Assistant/Driver at the West Africa Civil Society (WACSI). He joined the Institute in October 2006.

IBRAHIM KWAKU GBADAGO

Ibrahim Kwaku Gbadago is a Ghanaian. He joined the Institute in 2008 and provides janitorial services and assisting the institute's errands. Before joining the Institute, he worked at the Palestinian embassy in Accra, Ghana.

RUTH YAKANA

Ruth Yakana is from Cameroon and currently the Receptionist at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

BETHEL KWAME BOATENG

Bethel is a Ghanaian. He provides technical and IT related support to the Institute. He joined the Institute in October 2006.

WHITNAY SEGNONNA

Whitnay Segnonna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management from the University of Benin. With 2 years of experience, she has a strong knowledge of organizational and project management. Combined with her bilingualism, she is very passionate about her work. She joined WACSI as Project Assistant on Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the Capacity Development Unit.

STELLA YAWA WOWOUI

Stella Yawa Wowoui holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies. She has a perfect grasp of both French and English, as well as an intermediate level in Spanish. She is currently working as a Project Assistant on the Techsoup Project.

KWAME ASANTE

Kwame is an experienced IT Consultant/Software Developer. He is skilled in Web Applications Development, Digital Security, Database Management, Digital Marketing and Brand Management. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and is a Microsoft Programme Alumni. He is currently serving as a Marketing and IT Officer on the Techsoup Project.

GRACE AKPENE ZIGGAH

Grace Akpene Ziggah is a Togolese and currently the Logistics Officer and also assists in administration duties at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in June 2009.

LILLIAN DAFEAMEKPOR

Lilian Dafeamekpor is a Ghanaian and currently the Assistant to the Executive Director at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

JOHN P. FRINJUAH

John P. Frinjuah has expertise and interests in civil society, international development, democracy and governance, conflict, crisis, and security. He has extensive experience working with civil society and international development organizations where he supported and managed research, programmes, and provided technical assistance on a variety of themes around public policy, governance, and development. He is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy - Tufts University in the United States, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from two institutions respectively. John speaks English, French and several Ghanaian and regional West Africa languages.

GERVIN CHANASE

Gervin has extensive international development experience, including 5 years of policy advocacy and capacity building of grass root organisations. He has implemented over the years a combination of agriculture value chain, livelihood, food security and governance and rights programmes.
Prior to joining WACSI, Gervin worked on two USAID projects focusing on agriculture value chain development and governance in northern Ghana
Gervin holds a master’s degree in development & Governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany as well as a Masters in Global Studies from the Universities of Vienna (Austria), Leipzig (Germany) and California (Santa Barbara), USA. He is passionate social justice and inclusion.

LEANDRE BANON

Leandre Banon, Beninese, joined WACSI in September 2014 as Capacity Development Programme Assistant. Since then, he has worked in various units within the Institute to support operational and institutional capacity strengthening programmes for civil society in the region. Currently serving as Capacity Development Programme Officer at WACSI, his main responsibilities involve designing, planning, implementing and monitoring capacity development programmes for civil society constituents and grouping across the West Africa. Leandre is a certified Change the Game Academy Programme Trainer. His background lies in the areas of economics and development planning.

SAMUEL APPIAH

Samuel Appiah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Officer in the Finance and Administrative Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in May, 2016.

JIMM CHICK FOMUNJONG

Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Cameroonian, joined WACSI in May 2018 as the Head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Units of the Institute. He has over ten years’ experience as a journalist and a development communications expert. He has a vast experience in supporting African organisations to strengthen their internal and external communications, building and sustaining relationships with the media and, leveraging on the power of social media to promote their mission. He is also excellent at supporting organisations to set up and operationalise functional communications and knowledge management systems. He has a deep passion and expertise in supporting Africans and African civil society organisations to document their praxis, share and learn from experiences documented from the African civil society sector.

FRANCK A. SOMBO

Franck Sombo is a development practitioner with the drive to lead self and others to influence productivity and efficiency. His work involves supporting organisations to develop strategic plans, design monitoring and evaluation systems, develop and use relevant performance measurement tools to track progress, assess organizational growth and institutionalise learning. Franck has eight years of experience working with WACSI where he currently serves as the Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. His academic qualifications include Masters in Organisations’ and Projects’ Management, and in Business Sciences and a High National Diploma in Finance and Accounting.

Franck is a Fellow of the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) and a graduate of the Graduate Training Institute (GTI) - Ghana with specialization in Strategic Management and Corporate Leadership. He has a rich experience in Project Management, Capacity Development, Strategic planning, Data Analytics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Training and Facilitation, Mentoring and Coaching among others.

OMOLARA T. BALOGUN

Omolara is a development practitioner and advocacy strategist with over 15 years of progressive experience in development programming targeted at strengthening civil society in West Africa.

She joined WACSI in November 2009 as a Regional Advocacy Consultant and later became the first Policy Advocacy Officer of the Institute in 2010.

She was promoted to Head of the Policy Influencing and Advocacy (PIA) Unit in 2015. As the Head of the PIA unit, Omolara offers strategic direction to the Institutes’ ambitions to connect and convene groups of organised and organic civil society actors; and influence regional and global discourses on crosscutting policy issues including—civil society regulations, sustainable development goals, civic space and enabling environment, aid effectiveness, gender equality, and civil society accountability.

Previously, Omolara served as a Programmes Associate with the Women in Peace and Security Network-Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), where she worked with her team to design and implement pan-African programmes on—multidimensional peace support operations and gender mainstreaming in security sector reform in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

She also served as a Service Development Marshal at TVQ Consulting Group, a customer service firm focused on designing strategic customer relationship and business growth plans for private and public financial institutions in Nigeria.

Omolara is a social justice advocate, a network weaver, and a convener. She has a postgraduate degree in Peace and Conflict Studies; a degree in International Relations and History, from the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria respectively.

She also holds executive certificates in Behavioral Science in Public Policy from Harvard University Executive Education in Cambridge and in Citizen Advocacy from the Coady International Institute, St Francis Xavier University in Canada.

KWABENA KRODUAH

Kwabena Kroduah is a Ghanaian and currently heads the Finance Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in January 2008.

CHARLES KOJO VANDYCK

Charles currently serves as the Head of the Capacity Development Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Charles has over 10 years of experience working in international development and social justice issues in Africa. Charles has expertise in strengthening civil society and public agencies including the design and implementation of governance and leadership programmes, development of knowledge pieces and policy advice. Charles was the founding Board Chair of Innovation for Change (i4C)-Hub Afrique, as well as the founding member of the International Consortium on Closing Civic Space (iCon), an initiative of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC. Charles currently serves as the Member of the Governing Board (Coordination Collective) of Africans Rising. He is a Member of the Development Studies Association, United Kingdom. Charles is a 2017 Stanford University Fellow for Nonprofit Leaders and a certified Change the Game Resource Mobilisation Trainer.

NANA ASANTEWA AFADZINU

Nana Afadzinu is a Ghanaian and currently serves as the Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2010.