Pros & Cons of Gender Equality.

There has been some debate on this topic around the world, some spark negativity, arrogance & hatred, others seem to be more subtle & polite. Let’s take a moment to analyze this subject. Firstly, let’s understand the terms ” gender equality & Feminism”.

Gender equality is the view that men & women should receive equal treatment & should not be discriminated based on their gender.

Feminism on the other hand is a philosophy that advocates equal rights for women & men politically, culturally, socially, economically and in other ways.

Early feminists opposed women suffrage, modern feminists fight for gender equality.

Feminism is originally a positive movement focused on giving women basic rights however, radical feminism seems to demand respect & equality in every aspect of life.

If you ask me o, God made hierarchy in the home,I’m of the opinion women should be submissive to men who are the head of the home ( please leave it like that). But really, just like Christ commanded, the man should LOVE his wife first. You don’t mistreat a woman and yet want to be adored. You get the best from a woman when you treat her right and I think this goes either ways.

The woman should be a HELP-mate, not a competitor. There can’t be two captains in a boat.

The Nigerian culture as we know is largely patriarchal. That’s why the male-child is more valued than the female-child. That’s why in those days, only boys had access to education while the girls are married off or stay in the kitchen with their mothers. Today, both sexes are privileged to go to school but when it comes to promotions, salaries or even certain employment opportunities or conditions, the men are favored. But why will I go to school and pay school fees like you did and not be paid same salary as you even when we perform same role?

No doubt, no amount of radical feminism can eradicate the position of men in the family and society at large. They MUST be respected. Biblically, God gave them that position. Women too MUST also be respected, we’re all humans with mind and emotions. You don’t disrespect a gender and respect the other because we’re not all created by one God? Give respect to whom ever respect is due.

Women should be given more support to hold more political offices & partake in vital decisions-making.

Some cultures do not permit a woman to speak in a gathering of men or people in general nor hold any traditional seat or even partake in some cultural rights. ( This is so damn absurd).

In Igboland of Nigeria, you can hardly find a Queen who is ruling in authority without a man. She’s usually the wife of a King. (Women have their own identity. If one can lead, let her do so.) I haven’t heard of a female Oba of Benin or Alaafin of Oyo. These are old age traditional seats and in my opinion should be respected.

But we should really have more female leaders. Presidents, prime-ministers etc. Statistics have shown that women are brave and very great leaders too and so should speak in all gatherings regardless of which gender is present or not.

The recent gender equality bill seeks to eradicate all forms of violence against women, child-marriage( below 18years), in-humane treatment of widows, discrimination on grounds of marital status, etc. which is a very positive idea.

To me o, a man is a man & a woman is a woman don’t get it twisted. We shouldn’t oppose biblical roles of husbands & wives or deny any difference between men & women. (Na so civilization dey cause wahala).

The cause of gender equality should very well  be clear & understood & not be replaced by arrogance, hatred & negativity.

Have a beautiful day…

Jessica.