Women’s Rights – Page 4 – Centre for Family Health Initiative

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT ON WOMEN’S CAREERS.

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women’s Careers

The International Labour Organization defines sexual harassment as unwelcome and offensive behavior of a sexual nature that targets individuals based on their sex. Sexual harassment is a widespread problem that impacts women’s careers more than any other area of their lives. The prevalence of sexual harassment at work impedes women’s advancement and limits their ability to advance professionally.

According to a study conducted by the International Centre for Research on Women in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, approximately 80% of Nigerian women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their workplaces.

Sexual harassment fosters a toxic workplace culture, which lowers women’s job satisfaction and increases their departure rates. According to the ICRW survey, 45% of Nigerian women who had experienced sexual harassment at work decided to leave their positions, which interfered with their professional trajectories and reduced their possibilities for progress.

Furthermore, women’s careers are severely disrupted by sexual harassment, which results in traumatic events that affect their ability to advance professionally. The research by the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF) shows that sexual harassment frequently causes affected women to have lower job satisfaction, lower productivity, and higher turnover rates. The trauma brought on by such events can also cause ongoing emotional anguish, impacting one’s self-worth and confidence at work.

In Nigeria, sexual harassment affects women’s careers negatively, impeding their personal and professional advancement. The fact that this problem is so common highlights the urgent need for all-encompassing measures to combat and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Creating inclusive workplaces that promote gender equality and guarantee the unrestricted career advancement of Nigerian women requires strengthening regulatory frameworks, raising awareness, and cultivating a supportive environment that empowers women.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #SexualHarassment #SayNoToSexualHarassment #Women’srights #genderequality #genderbias

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Combating Cyberviolence Against Women

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The widespread usage of the internet and the quick development of technology have had various positive effects on society. They have, however, also contributed to a worrying development: cyberviolence against women. Women’s safety, privacy, and wellbeing are seriously threatened by this type of online assault. This, the UN identified as a kind of gender-based violence that exacerbates existing inequities.

According to UN Women, cyberviolence against women takes various forms, such as sexual harassment, stalking, intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and misogynistic hate speech. Additionally, technology is used to facilitate other forms of violence, including intimate partner or domestic violence and trafficking. These digital tools enable abusers to monitor, track, threaten, and perpetrate violence, while traffickers exploit technology to profile, recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Reports by UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women highlight the adverse impacts of cyberviolence, including psychological and emotional distress, fear, social isolation, and educational and professional consequences faced by victims.

Women at heightened risks of cyberviolence includes young women and girls, women in public life including women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, women in politics, and women journalists.

Nigeria has taken significant steps to address cyberviolence against women through its legal system. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalizes various forms of cyberviolence, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting women from online abuse and provides a legal framework to prosecute perpetrators. Furthermore, legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes cyberviolence as a form of violence against women. These legislative measures provide a foundation for protecting women from online abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Although Nigeria has made strides in addressing cyberviolence against women, stronger enforcement measures are required to guarantee that existing laws are implemented.

Raising awareness and promoting legislative changes are essential components in the fight against cyberviolence against women, in addition to legal measures. Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media outreach should emphasize raising awareness of the seriousness of the problem, encouraging appropriate online conduct, and creating an environment where women may feel respected and safe.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Cyberviolence #GenderBasedViolence #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices: Examining the Impact on Female Children in Nigeria

In Nigeria, young girls face significant challenges when choosing their career paths due to gender-based limitations. Despite progress in women’s rights and gender equality, traditional views, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors still limit the career options available to girls. These biases have contributed to a significant gender gap in many professions. Unfortunately, like many others, Nigerian society continues to adhere to gender norms that restrict the career opportunities available to female children. Cultural factors like patriarchal standards and expectations of women’s domestic responsibilities have perpetuated the belief that certain professions are better suited for men.

According to the World Bank’s report on gender disparities in Nigeria, cultural biases discourage girls from pursuing careers in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), often considered male-dominated. This leads to a persistent gender gap in these fields and limits educational and employment opportunities for girls. Factors such as limited access to quality education, early marriage, poverty, inadequate educational infrastructure, and cultural norms favoring boys’ education further restrict girls’ career choices in Nigeria.

The limitations placed on female students’ career options based on gender in Nigeria profoundly impact both the individual and the larger society. Limiting girls’ goals undermines their personal growth, perpetuates gender inequality, and obstructs the nation’s progress towards achieving gender equality and socioeconomic development.

In 2022, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by educating over 40 students and teachers from Junior Secondary School Gosa – Abuja about the negative impacts of gender-based violence and encouraging students to pursue their preferred fields, including STEM-related ones, regardless of gender.

Addressing gender-based restrictions on career choices for female children in Nigeria requires a holistic approach encompassing education, awareness, and equal opportunities. By challenging traditional gender roles, providing role models, ensuring access to quality education, and promoting options in male-dominated fields, we can empower girls to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s progress. Through these concerted efforts, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and equitable society where all children have the freedom to choose their desired career paths, irrespective of gender.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Career #Girl’sRights #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality #Nigeria #Progress

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON MITIGATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

Gender-based violence refers to violence, harm, or discrimination based on gender. It affects primarily women and girls but can impact others too. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. This form of violence arises from unequal power dynamics and harmful social norms. It violates human rights and has severe consequences. Addressing it is essential for gender equality and creating a violence-free society.

Education and Awareness.

Promoting comprehensive and gender-sensitive education programs challenge harmful stereotypes, promotes gender equality, and fosters respectful relationships among people.

Empowerment and economic opportunities.

The provision of economic empowerment initiatives, skills training, and access to resources for women and marginalized communities will help to reduce economic dependence and enhance their autonomy.

Men and boys engagement.

Engaging men and boys as allies and change agents in addressing gender-based violence through education, awareness programs, and promoting positive masculinity will reduce the rate of gender-based violence in society.

Speak Out! Break the Silence!

GBV thrives in silence and secrecy. By speaking out, survivors break the silence, giving voice to their experiences and empowering others to do the same. This collective voice exposes the magnitude of the problem and encourages others to come forward.

Legal reforms and implementation.

Strengthen legal frameworks and ensure their effective implementation to provide protection, support, and justice for survivors of gender-based violence. This includes enforcing laws, improving access to legal aid, and training law enforcement and judicial personnel.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN IN PEACE BUILDING

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

Women have often demonstrated their ability to bring about constructive change in conflict-affected societies. According to UNICEF, involving women in peace processes increases the likelihood of long-term peace. In their peacebuilding efforts, women frequently prioritize communal welfare and human security, developing understanding, compassion, and conversation. Their involvement can assist to establish bridges, foster reconciliation, and more effectively address the core causes of conflict.

The significance of women’s engagement in peacebuilding initiatives has grown in recent decades. Women bring unique perspectives, abilities, and experiences to the table, making them vital change agents in the development of peaceful and inclusive societies. Women have distinct viewpoints that are molded by their experiences and positions in communities. The competence of women in fields including healthcare, education, and community development is critical for post-conflict reconstruction, according to the World Health Organization.

Furthermore, the presence of women in peacebuilding guarantees that peacebuilding initiatives are thorough, encompassing various facets of society. The SDGs; SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) are all aligned with women’s involvement in peacebuilding.

Consequently, women’s active involvement in peacebuilding is essential for achieving long-lasting peace in addition to being an issue of equity and justice. By respecting the perspectives, skills, and voices of women, we can build a more inclusive world.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #WomenInPeacebuilding #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN IN THE WORK PLACE

Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 (VAPP Act) in Section 24 defines sexual harassment as an unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or other conduct based on sex or gender which is persistent, serious and demeans, humiliates or creates a hostile or intimidating environment and this may include physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a common problem, with women being the primary victims. This could be because of societal standards and gender stereotypes that portray women as weaker, more emotional, and subservient. These misconceptions can contribute to a workplace atmosphere in which men believe they have the right to harass women without consequence. This attitude of entitlement can also be fuelled by workplace power dynamics, such as a male supervisor or co-worker who has greater seniority than a female employee. Power dynamics, physical appearance, and a lack of repercussions for offenders are also contributing factors.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, including unwanted sexual advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact. A male co-worker, for example, may make improper comments regarding a female colleague’s attractiveness or make sexually suggestive remarks. Alternatively, a female employee may be subjected to unwanted touching or advances from her male supervisor. These behaviours can create an uncomfortable and threatening work environment for the victim, leading to lower productivity, job satisfaction, and even mental health issues.

Employers must take a proactive approach to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. One of the most critical measures is to develop clear policies and procedures that ban sexual harassment and outline a process for reporting and dealing with it. For example, the National Industrial Court in the case of Ejike Maduka vs Microsoft stated that an employer can be held vicariously liable for the sexual harassment committed by its employees. There is a duty on employers to have a policy on sexual harassment and to investigate cases in line with the policy where they are reported.

In summary, sexual harassment of women at work is a major problem with substantial implications for victims. Employers must take a proactive approach to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment by developing clear policies and processes, providing training, fostering open communication, and responding quickly and appropriately to all accusations of sexual harassment. Employers, co-workers, and victims can work together to create a safe and respectful workplace where all employees can succeed.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #SexualHarassment #MeToo #WomensRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias

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GENDER DIGITAL DIVIDE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Speak Wednesday, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

Digital divide according to Investopedia, encompasses the technical and financial ability to utilize available technology, along with access (or a lack of access) to the internet.

As observed in education and other areas of life, women and girls face a wide divide in the digital space which is significantly taking over the universe and economic opportunities with the world adjusting to the change. This indicates that gender disparity has also found its undeserving place in the digital world.

This wide gender gap in digital access, literacy and skills is caused by the social norms, gender roles and expectations of women in the household. This includes the negative stereotyping of women and girls in their career paths and the assumptions that boys and men do better in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields than girls.

The digital divide against women and girls will worsen gender discrimination and promote unequal access to employment opportunities for girls, which can lead to financial lack and poverty.

Government and stakeholders can work towards the inclusion of girls and women in the digital ecosystem and close the gap by ensuring that girls are educated and have access to ICT, improve gender-responsive systems and programs, and the like.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Genderbias #GenderDigitalDivide

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – PERIOD POVERTY AND POOR EDUCATION

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Health, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Reproductive Health, Sanitation, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The backdrop in girls’ education due to lack of menstrual hygiene in Nigeria should no longer be gender issue, but of national concern.

The National Democracy and Health Survey in 2013 has shown that girls make up 60 per cent of the 110.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, and 1 in 10 African girls misses school due to their period, according to UNICEF. In order words, they could miss school for four days or more during which the period lasts, and since they cannot manage their period safely without a good sanitary product, such children are most likely to drop out of school in the long run. Moreso, the hike in menstrual products has left most Nigerian girls and young women with no choice but to use unclean napkins, tissue, leaves, newspapers, or nothing at all, during their menstruation.

The old African proverb says “educate a girl, educate a nation”. To curb this damaging menace caused by period poverty, the Nigerian government should borrow a Leaf from Kenya’s policy which introduced the right to free, sufficient and quality sanitary towels, and basic sanitation facilities for schoolgirls; treating access to sanitary pads as a basic human right. This and the total removal of tax on menstrual products will help to make the girl child stay in school during their monthly flow.

Like Michelle Obama rightly said, when girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous. It is time to embrace this fact and work towards creating a world where everyone irrespective of gender can thrive without limitations.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

#SpeakWednesday #MenstrualRightsAwareness #MenstrualHygiene #MenstrualEquality #GirlsInSchool #EquityAndJustice #MHDay2022 #WeAreCommitted
#reusablesanitarypad

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Women empowerment refers to complete emancipation of women from socio-economic shackles of dependency and deprivations. Often made synonymous to gender equality, the term women empowerment encompasses a much larger set of principles that needs whole-hearted attention. Empowerment of women would mean encouraging women to be self-reliant, economically independent, have positive self-esteem, generate confidence to face any difficult situation and incite active participation in various socio-political development endeavours.

The growing conscience is to accept women as individuals capable of making rational and educated decisions about them as well as the society, increasing and improving the economic, political and legal strength of the women, to ensure equal right as men, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for their families and communities.

Women empowerment in its actuality is synonymous with complete development of the community. An educated woman, with knowledge about health, hygiene, cleanliness is capable of creating a better disease-free environment for her family. A self-employed woman is capable of contributing not only to her family’s finances, but also contributes towards the country’s economic development. A shared source of income is much more likely to uplift the quality of life than a single income household and more often than not helps the family come out of poverty trap.

Women aware of their legal rights are less likely to be victims of domestic violence or other forms of exploitations. Basic legal information about rights and knowledge on the different acts like the Matrimony act and Domestic Violence act, is vital for any woman to have, as this knowledge will empower them to be able to better handle such situations for themselves as well as those around them who might find themselves in such situation.

When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. Contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children. A key part of this empowerment is through education, training, awareness raising, building self-confidence, expansion of choices, increased access to and control over resources, and actions to transform the structures and institutions that reinforce and perpetuate gender discrimination and inequality. These are important tools for empowering women and girls to claim their rights which leads to community/national development.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S RIGHT TO FULL AND EFFECTIVE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

According to provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the National Gender Policy, women have the right to participate in political processes that affect them, their families, and societies. Countries like Rwanda, Cuba, Bolivia, and United Arab Emirates with increased women’s participation and leadership in civil societies and political parties tend to be more inclusive, responsive and democratic. Truth is, when women significantly participate in peace processes, they meaningfully help to expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects for lasting peace.

Historically, Women around the world at every socio-political level find themselves under-represented in parliament and far removed from decision-making levels. Despite representing half the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators according to United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Women in Nigeria face many challenges and discriminatory practices under some existing laws and customs. Political life in Nigeria is based on male norms and values, and men determine the standards for political participation and the rules that govern the electoral process, greatly limiting women’s participation in politics. For example, intending female candidates for political offices are often disadvantaged, and even disqualified, by rules and cultural norms surrounding marriage and indigeneship. In some cases, parties actively exclude women from standing for office and most often than not, female political candidates are often subject to hate speech, threats or violence. Nevertheless, Women are known to be resilient family and society builders and are naturally imbued with salient and sterling leadership qualities. Over time in history, a few women who have been entrusted with leadership roles have more often than not proved that when given adequate backing, women can perform creditably – a case study of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Margaret Ekpo in managing human and material resources.

In conclusion, women’s full and effective political participation births gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making and political involvement provides a balance that more accurately reflects the composition of society and may as such enhance the legitimacy of political processes by making them more democratic and responsive to the concerns and perspectives of all segments of society. Research shows that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, ethnic and racial minorities.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more interesting episodes.

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