The decades’ old movement to liberate women from the limitations of society is once again celebrated in 2025. It is Important to realize that the goal and victory of a movement is to render it needless. However, this international women’s day continues to be relevant not as a celebration of redundancy but to resound the reminders that a lot of work is still to be done.
Off the top of your head (probably disconnected from the harrows of society) you might not be able to mention the reason for women to reserve a day to echo their worth and their expectations from the society.
That’s where I will be coming in. According to The Guardian In 2025 almost two dozen women have died due to gender based violence in Nigeria alone. You heard that right. These statistics is not an ordinary figure, this is the number of DEATHS of real human beings. GBV seems far but it is far too close.
Deeply rooted in cultural and economic factors, gender inequality remains a pressing challenge in Nigeria, limiting women’s opportunities and contribution to national development. Education for one, has been an aspect of discrimination. Though the gap is getting bridged in primary education, most females have to drop out by secondary and before tertiary education. Cultural and religious beliefs often perpetuate the cycle of illiteracy limiting women’s eligibility for better economic opportunities and skilled decision making.
At the posts of representation, the positions where the cries of sufferings are to be responded too, women are lacking. It is unfortunate to state that Nigerians – both male and female – could be described as subconsciously or boldly disallowing the rise of females in government positions. We are not in the times of pretending women don’t want the positions. The women who wanted the executive, representative positions, how welcoming was it compared to their successful male counterparts? The ones that got to the position what fraction of their respect was accorded to them? (Check out Senator Akpoti’s story.)
This is just to name a few. Take heed and do with this information what you will. Feminism or not, protect your women even before the time arises.
With a very cold glare.
Happy International Women’s day.
