Women
Repositioning Women for Leadership Positions by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 24/08/2022
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- In The People Talk
Religious leaders must avoid scriptural misinformation and misinterpretation, most especially in the areas that discriminate, marginalize and hurt womanhood.
Avoid painting the girl child as half a male counterpart as well as avoid Female Genital Mutilation(FGM).
Develop the mental capacity of the girl child on par with their female counterparts.
Female children should be allowed to choose a career of their choice based on their God-given talents.
forms. Avoid minor weddings and other forms of abuse against the girl child. Every male orientation must change from perceiving women as objects of sex.
The focus must be on gender equity to avoid partriachal domination through such a policy that will allow women effective participation in all spheres of life.
Women must take the chance to lead and not live at the mercy of men(malevolence)but believe in themselves to achieve any feat. The Holy Quran states that they must not tread a path of being suspicious of promiscuity and they must be able to assert meritorious authority when charged with responsibilities or positions of power, such as in the case of the Queen of Sheba, Bilqees.
''O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah , then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech.''
Q27 VS. 30-36, ''Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].She said, "O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me. They said, "We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command. She said, "Indeed kings - when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honored of its people humbled. And thus do they do. But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers will return. So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.''
The Challenges impeding Women from Occupying Leadership Positions
Women across nations face several challenges but African countries particularly experience the following:
*Cultural bias favoring male children.
*Domestic violence-mentally, sexually, physically and emotionally by their husbands or partners(molestation, assault and battery to rape).
*Female child labor, abortion, prostitution, and female genital mutilation.
*Child marriage-According to official statistics, 43% of Nigerian girls become married before their 18th birthday and 17% before turning 15 albeit in the northern part of the country.
*Exorbitant Candidate Nomination Fees for Election.
Prof. Olagoke delivered this paper at a Public Function in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria on Tuesday 23rd August, 2022
Tanzania Swears in First Female President
- By solomon2day
- On 19/03/2021
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- In News
61-year-old Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in as Tanzania's first female President.
After the new President was sworn in, she inspected a guard of honor and received a gun from the military.
In her maiden speech as the President of Tanzania expressed sadness over the passage of the late President.
“The oath I took today of office is different and unlike any other, I have ever taken in comfort, excitement, and joy. I took this oath with sorrow and all across the country there is great sadness, I took this oath on a day of mourning. For this I am sorry.”
Hassan announced 21-day mourning for Magufuli, while dsiclosing that all flags of Tanzania will fly at half-mast for the period.
She further disclosed that the body of the late president will be moved from the Lugalo Military Hospital to St. Peters Church in the capital for prayers on Saturday and later to Uhuru Park where Tanzanian leaders will bid farewell.
World Bank President makes Case for Women
- By solomon2day
- On 02/03/2021
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The World Bank Group President, David Malpass has stressed the need for women to be included in the running of the economies of countries of the world.
Malpass made this disclosure in a Press Release dated 23 February 2021.
“Despite progress in many countries, there have been troubling reversals in a few, including restricting women’s travel without the permission of a male guardian. This pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities that disadvantage girls and women, including barriers to attend school and maintain jobs. Women are also facing a rise in domestic violence and health and safety challenges. Women should have the same access to finance and the same rights to inheritance as men and must be at the center of our efforts toward an inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.” the World Bank President stated.
Nigerians must say No to Child Marriage-Prof. Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 22/01/2020
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- In The People Talk
A cross section of Nigerians have expressed worry over the increasing rate of child marriages in the country.
Indeed, the elite in society among several others are to blame for this disturbing trend which has gained ground in an unspecified number of communities. Why is this so ? In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that there are a lot of dangers involved in child marriages just as he warns parents to shun the act. Excerpts :
Child marriage is on the increase in Nigeria today, why is this so ?
A minor in marriage is morally wrong, rejected in the religions of the world and considered to be anti-social. It is equally regarded as a human aberration medically.
Fundamentally, marriage is best consummated for sound minds, who can take decisions on their own, and matured minds who can be regarded as rational in decision making.
For a minor in marriage, coercion is the tool, and this does not consider the fundamentals of love as basic to two different people, male and female coming together as husband and wife.
The institution of marriage states that the two to be involved in marriage must have done a detailed assessment in the process of wooing each other, based on certain considerations of natural importance : beauty, parental wealth, academic pedigree and probably religion.
Of any of the four chosen, there must have been a time lapse, regarded as courtship period for the two to understudy their areas of strength,weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
And in this modern time, counseling must predominate and extend to personality traits compatibility as well as blood group and genotype class to determine a hitch free union.
Parental consent then follows, before witnesses and people are called for the socio-spiritual ceremony.
Love, passion as well as acceptable character or attitude are equally considered.
However, under a minor involved marriage, the above considerations are absent, while the influences cuts across parental influences based on business consideration.
On the other hand, way ward and reckless lifestyles leading to unavoidable pregnancies could force parents to organize for a minor involved marriage, perhaps to save face of for the girl child to have a good care under the roof of the elderly man.
Minor involved in marriage could lead to Vesico-vaginal fistula(VVF) and in another breadth it could be disgusting to the growing girl child and this could result in serious attempt's by the girl to kill the husband, who she may develop hatred for because of his oppressive tendencies and the lack of love in the relationship.
The health of the minor under forced marriages may result in serious medical conditions and unfortunately, the man involved goes about unhurt in search of another victim.
It is also unfortunate that most of those involved belong to the elite class, who most of the times equally claim to know so much about their religion.
But alas, we must not forget the fact that all religions teach morals and are strictly against one inflicting injuries on the other.
This is a period where the whole world now clamors for equality of access and treatment to the boy and girl child. And that the girl child and women generally, must always be spared from agonies of maltreatment such as domestic violence, are, pedophilia and other forms of sexual abuse.
Proverbially, when we eat unripe fruits, we plunge ourselves into the problem of stomach ache.
So also marriage to a minor is bereft of any pleasure, respect and care. Hence, the right of such a girl to have access to good education and have a successful career life is already in jeopardy.
All women have values which must not be destroyed by the selfish desire of men.
A girl in a forced marriage has already lost a promising future of good growth profile and development.
Her God given talents are already torn into shreds, while society will remain at a loss due to this practice.
This is why several countries that had earlier been into this practice, are making changes by shifting the minimum age for marriage to 18 years old for their girl child.
At this, level of growth, the pelvic girdle is strong enough to carry the load or pressure of pregnancy.
The child at this age is expected to have acquired a minimum certificate of Nigeria’s Senior Secondary School Certificate standard. This implies that she can take decisions that may be favorable to her and her future, even when she finds herself in the web of a love tango.
Parents need to be properly educated on the issue of the need to protect the interest of their children, most especially the girl child.
Child rearing must follow a universal guiding code of value, protection, safety, respect, inclusion, attention and freedom.
If we are able to follow this valuable guidance in child rearing,cases of incest, rape, pedophilia and minor involved in marriage would never arise.
The girl child is a valuable better half and must be treated equally like their male counterparts.
Circumstances wherein men work and women stay at home to cater for the home and children, is no longer in vogue as the running of the home is now a joint responsibility of the husband and wife in an environment of career driven development.
We must therefore, avoid minor involved marriages to respect the divine institution of marriage as supported by our culture and all our religions including Islam and Christianity.
Besides this, we must consider the health challenges that may accompany minor involved marriages, to safe guard the girl child.
Instead there is a need to pursue the cause of women emancipation to be voices to be reckoned with in society and for each nation to be able to achieve in the areas of 35 per cent affirmative action for women at the various decision making points.
Only women, who are not abused, but supported in the cause of their growth and development without truncated period of minor involved in marriage , can be supported to achieve the various international opportunities open for their advancement.
A nation accomplishing this, would be regarded to be fair in the competitive world of global best practices. Nigerians must say no to Child Marriage.
Ugandan Feminine Activist Jailed for 18 Months for Criticizing President
- By solomon2day
- On 07/11/2019
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- In News
Frontline feminine activist and university lecturer, Stella Nyanzi has bagged an 18 month jail term for criticising Ugnada's President Yoweri Museveni.
Nyanzi had through a facebook post carpeted Museveni's 33 year rule.
In her reaction Director for East Africa, Amnesty International, Joan Nyanyuki said that “Stella Nyanzi has been criminalised solely for her creative flair of using metaphors and what may be considered insulting language to criticise President Museveni’s leadership''.
“The mere fact that forms of expression are considered insulting to a public figure is not sufficient ground to penalize anyone. Public officials, including those exercising the highest political authority, are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition.”
“This verdict is outrageous and flies in the face of Uganda’s obligations to uphold the right to freedom of expression for all people in Uganda and demonstrates the depths of the government’s intolerance of criticism,”
“It must be quashed and Stella Nyanzi, who has already suffered enormously for expressing her opinions, left to get on with her life.
“The Ugandan authorities must scrap the Computer Misuse Act 2011 which has been used systematically to harass, intimidate and stifle government critics like Stella Nyanzi.”
Anyanzi was arrested and detained in prison on 2 November 2018, two weeks after she posted a birthday poem considered to be abusive against the President.
The acitivist has already spent 9 months in prison.
Women Constitute Majority in Rwanda Parliament
- By solomon2day
- On 24/10/2019
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Women in Rwanda now occupy 54 of the 80 seats in the countrys Parliament.
The United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union seek a 30 percent minimum benchmark for women representation.
The new world record for women representation in parliament is now 67.5 %, following the announcement of the September 3 parliamentary elections results by the National Electoral Commission.
Even though the Rwanda Government places value on women's roles and has facilitated several reforms to aid the growth of women's capacity in civil society, women's - and human - rights are limited.
Don't Limit Women's Potential-Country Director Plan International Malawi
- By solomon2day
- On 16/10/2019
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- In News
The need to spport women in all spheres of life has been emphasized.
This postion was made known by the Interim Country Director of Plan International Malawi, Phoebe Kasoga,
There are living examples of how stereotypes are reinforced to the disadvantage of girls and women due to media representation through magazines, movies, adverts and news. This limits their potential.''
“We see that there is less support for females in certain industries. Our ambassador is an engineer and she said when she started out in the industry, she was told that she was most likely going to be sent home. This type of behavior makes women look down on themselves,” Kasoga stated
She developed an interest in building self-esteem for women-Lydia Busingye
- By solomon2day
- On 09/09/2019
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- In Special Report
Lydia Busingye is a young woman who was kidnapped and subjected to sexual abuse at the age of thirteen. This tragedy left her with feelings of resentment, self-blame, low self-worth and confidence. As a result she felt discouraged to pursue her dreams of becoming a confident and effective leader someday.
Over the years that she struggled with her experience, Lydia found inspiration to regain her confidence and self-worth by having successful women role models such as Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, the late Minister Aloisea Inyumba, Joyce Meyer and Oprah Winfrey. Their life stories and achievements motivated Lydia to use the negative experiences from her childhood to rebuild her strength and encourage other women and girls to do the same.
She developed an interest in building self-esteem for women and girls through restoring hope, dreams and fighting against sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). Lydia’s passion for women and girls issues encouraged her to look for opportunities that empowered her and other women in various ways.
Lydia describes the Rwanda Women Leadership Institute (RWLI) as one such opportunity that has empowered her to be the woman she is today. As a woman who once dreamt of becoming a leader, she commends the program for reigniting her dream through its training in leadership skills.
One of her most important lessons from the program is from an African proverb that was shared during the training; “if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.” According to Lydia, the proverb, reinforces “the importance of working together and supporting one another as women in pursuing our dreams,” and the capacity women have to be leaders that can contribute to meaningful change and development in society. She also learnt the importance of self-love, care, protection/safety of women and girls in any environment.
As a RWLI alumni, Lydia has used both personal and professional platforms to share information on women’s key role in decision making, transformational leadership and SGBV. She hopes that in sharing with other women and girls, she can help them protect themselves and address issues of abuse as well as motivate them to be agents of change in their respective communities. Lydia describes RWLI as a programme that has given her the right tools to achieve her dreams; “I am now dreaming to be a woman of integrity, a role model, a source of health and wealth in my country and worldwide.”
RWLI represents one of the projects implemented by Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion to empower Rwandan women from all walks of life. The institute’s objectives compliment various national and global campaigns that promote women’s rights and gender parity; such as the Rwanda’s national theme for International Women’s Day; “Preserving the Dignity Regained.”
Rwanda is commended globally for its gender sensitive policies and the highest Parliamentarian representation of women (64%) in the world. The theme outlines the nation’s role in building on these achievements in the empowerment of women. RWN is expanding and contributing to these gains through RWLI and more projects by using holistic approaches to address issues affecting women and girls in Rwanda.
In line with the global movement #BeBoldForChange, the RWLI program encompasses the importance of women’s active role in influencing change that contributes to empowerment of women and gender parity.
RWLI falls under one of the RWN main program areas; Governance and Leadership. It equips women with knowledge and tools to be effective leaders and equal contributors to change and development in their respective sectors and communities. RWLI continues to empower and inspire more women like Lydia to “make their challenges a catalyst for positive transformation,” at a personal, community and national level.
Kenya : Female Lawmaker and Baby forced out of Parliament by Speaker
- By solomon2day
- On 13/08/2019
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- In News
The presence of a Female Lawmaker who was in the chamber of the Kenya Parliament with her five month old baby temporarily disrupted proceedings last week Wednesday .
The acting Speaker, Christopher Omulele had, on noticing that Kwale Woman Representative, Ms Zuleika Hassan was in the chamber with her baby, ordered her to take her child out of the chamber.
This resulted into a division among the lawmakers, with some male lawmakers pitching their tents with the female lawmakers wh insisted that Hassan should remain in the chambers.
Even though the acting Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to implement his order, a human shield around the the female lawmaker temporarily prevented her from been taken out.
In a chat with newsmen after leaving the chambers, Ms Hassan, who was accompanied by her female lawmakers, expalined why she was in the chambers with her baby.
"I had an emergency and decided not to miss work but come with the baby. She is not an atomic bomb and can't explode," Ms Hassan stated.
In 2013, Kenyan lawmakers passed a motion directing the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to set aside a room within Parliament buildings for breastfeeding mothers.
Married Couples ought to Remain United-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 24/06/2019
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- In Special Report
The All Workers Convergence(AWC) has advised married couples not to allow negative happenings in the society today to disintegrate their homes.
The AWC gave this advice recently, through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''The AWC advises maaried couples and families, most especially the young ones not to allow mounting negative happenings in society to erode family bond, unity and togetherness to the extent of destroying their marriages.''
''However, even if we have to do otherwise, partners should recognize that they both have the right tom seek redress through legitimate means, not through extrajudicial means, so that the marriage would not result in self destruction because it is better to go one's way than to go through the path of destruction, when marrigaes are not working'', Comrade Emelieze concluded.
We Shall Involve Women in Governance-Adamawa Governor
- By solomon2day
- On 06/06/2019
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Adamawa state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri has assured that his administration shall involve women in governance.
Governor Fintiri gave this assurance on Wednesday while playing host to the state chapter of the National Council of Women Affairs, National Association of Women Traders and other interest groups, who paid him Sallah visit at the Government House in Yola.
For the ladies, you won’t just have a place with the other room and the kitchen,not at all like what acquired in the prompt past government which endowed the ladies issues service to a man. “We are here and will be here for you. We have begun, and we will keep on doing our best for the general great of the state. We have guaranteed you an 11-point motivation, and that is the thing that we will represent toward the finish of our four years, the Governor stated.
Women in Rwanda Urged to Apply for UN Jobs
- By solomon2day
- On 14/05/2019
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Women in Rwanda have been urged to apply for various positions in the United Nations.
According to the Human Resource Officer Standing Diversity and Outreach Section at UN, Floresha Berisha,"We want to encourage female candidates to apply. Currently, the organisations have a gender gap; for example, in peacekeeping we have 29 per cent women yet our objective is to have fifty-fifty gender party.''
Berisha who was speaking at the outreach briefing on UN field careers that seeks to inform Rwandans of opportunities to work with UN and how to apply using its recruitment system (INSPIRA) and practical tips on how to prepare their applications or tests said ''
'The purpose of this outreach is to raise the awareness about job opportunities to work in UN missions' secretariat including peacekeeping operations, Rwanda is ranked the third country in contributing troops to peacekeeping missions and we believe that raising awareness of job opportunities among the nationals of Rwanda we give them the opportunity to apply for the jobs," Berisha said.
"Informing them about the requirements and about the recruitment process, the organisation aims at having diverse geographically and gender balance and multi-talented workforce, having that in mind we would want to raise awareness among all member states," she stated.