I have followed with keen interest the discourse on women's rights by various
writers reacting to a presentation by Mrs. Nogi Imoukhuede. Mr. Ikeh's comment
was quite incisive. Although I have not seen the presentation, the comments on
it so far have given an inkling that is rather revealing. I also wish to use
this medium to request for a copy of the presentation.
I work at the Women's Desk of the Constitutional Rights Project, CRP, a
non-governmental organization with its head office in Lagos and branches in Imo
State and Abuja. I am a legal Practitioner by profession. I have had course to
organize and participate in a number of seminars/conferences on human rights
generally and in particular women's rights
If I may lend my voice to the discourse, I would say that Nigerian women are
in dire need of emancipation and every legitimate means must be explored towards
its attainment. There is need for freedom for the Nigerian woman from political,
social, societal, statutory and cultural restraints that are offensive to reason
and justice. Women's rights are human rights and should be seen as such. It is
not just a gender argument because people's lives are on the edge. To treat a
person in any way less than a human being is totally unacceptable. The Nigerian
woman is entitled to her right to life, fair hearing and human dignity to
mention but a few, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and no cultural
leaning or even a subsidiary legislation should be permitted to infringe on her
fundamental rights. These rights are inalienable for the mere fact of her being
a human being. For any person that thinks that a woman should not be heard and
as a matter of fact should take a second seat, never assume leadership
positions, should just be in the background, be her father's property and later
her husband's, such a person needs some degree of emancipation or better still,
re-orientation. For a man that thinks this way, my question for you is "did you
have a hand in determining your sex?" and for a woman "why will you believe a
lie and go to your grave with all the strengths and talents in the inside of
you?"
Let me however state that I have great respect for family values and will not
advocate otherwise, but let what is good not be taken as en engine of evil. Let
us live and let live.
NANCY MUNONYEDI
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS PROJECT
5 ABIONA CLOSE, OFF FALOLU ROAD
SURULERE, LAGOS.
TEL: 01-7746693
