A group of young women and men concerned about the failings of the Nigerian society gathered on the 3
rd of May, 2015 at the Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi to address the issue of gender inequality in our communities. This conversation was organized by Joy Isi Bewaji to educate a society where patriarchy has been enthroned and the monster in it has grown into a full beast dragging socio-economic activities into antiquity at the expense of the girl child who is constantly led into accepting the sub-human role.
Joy Isi Bewaji said she had always questioned patriarchy but she was quickly labeled “stubborn, opinionated and a rebel”. Joy admitted that she had a very vibrant colourful life as a child and believes that women should be treated with dignity and respect.
Temidayo Ahanmisi, the headliner of the event, was called up stage in the company of Biodun Stephen and the conversation began proper. Joy asked if women are their worse enemies. Ifedimma took it head-on, affirming the fact that women are actually their worse enemies. She said many women are not educated. Yes! She believes they are literates but they are not educated. She shared her experience on how her mother told her not to pursue a PhD so that her husband will be able to control her. Her mother opined that excessive possession of degrees can lead a woman to pride. She urged women to educate themselves in order to effect real change in the Nigerian economy.
Temi said poverty should be addressed and curbed forthwith. She urged women to work hard and save money.
Still on the solution, Mirian Chibuzor said women must start first by helping one another to resolve intimate affairs.
Funke approached women’s ordeal from a philosophical standpoint saying that it was actually a curse on the women that her glory will be for the men. It wasn’t a role that God assigned to women and that since the curse has been taken away, the woman must not be forced into societal regimentation of any kind.
Atilola did an outstanding spoken word performance that electrified the auditorium. Her theme revolved around the conversation and how society hunts the female folks to promote the ancient imbalance that women must act in certain ways which strips them of their rights as humans.
It must be stated for the umpteenth time that social justice is the prime factor for economic development. Economic justice can only be won by free men through fair enterprise; therefore we must pass laws that will check imbalance in the system, so that society can thrive on the threshold of ethics, equity and justice. The conversation has kicked started the process of a desired transformation and this will elevate the Nigerian society to adopt better standards in the nearest future.
About the Writer: Evans Ufeli is a lawyer and the author of acclaimed novel, ‘Without Face’. He is also an Alumni member of the Writers Bureau, Manchester, a highly sought-after conference speaker with a passion for the concept of change. He lives in Victoria Island, Lagos. You can contact him via Facebook: Evans Ufeli, Email: evanylaw@yahoo.com, Twitter: @Evansufeli and Phone: 08037712353. He blogs at www.ethicsafrica4u.wordpress.com.
