When Nigeria’s senate rejected a proposed Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, many Nigerians were left wondering why a bill crafted to create legislative space for women’s rights would be wrong. Religious leaders say there are concerns within the bills messaging in lacking sensitivity to religious considerations.
“I see it as unnecessary because already what the government needs to do is ask the religious leaders especially the educated among the leaders- let them come out and say what Islam says about women and it will be implemented-simple!”Imam Fuad Adeyemi, ISLAMIC COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
Under the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill the law would limit all forms of discrimination based on gender identity, and broaden the legal protection for women in areas of marriage, inheritance, land owner ship and access to education. Supporters of the bill have called the move a setback, urging women to protest the repealed measure.
But religious and cultural obstacles still remain.
Despite having just three female government ministers, out of 36 states in Nigeria women are taking a stand and demanding to be more inclusive in the laws that will determine their country’s future. But for many here there is still a long road ahead in stepping up gender equality.
