Theme: Fostering an Inclusive Feminist Movement in Nigeria
Feminism and feminist ideology have played pivotal roles in advocating for women’s rights, gender equality, and overall development globally. In Africa, feminists and feminist organizations have been instrumental in influencing public discourse and policy change. Notably, feminism in West Africa, like elsewhere, has seen an increasing intersectionality, incorporating voices from marginalized communities and diverse backgrounds. In Nigeria, feminists have emerged across generations, advocating for rights through various strategies. The International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, provides a platform to reflect on progress and gaps in promoting women’s rights and achieving gender equity.
The partnership of three women-led organizations, ICCEF, Project Alert, and BAOBAB, organized a webinar on 12th March 2024, with the theme “Fostering an Inclusive Feminist Movement in Nigeria”. The objective was to explore contemporary issues facilitating collaboration between younger and older generations of feminists, strengthen the feminist and gender agenda, and identify challenges to women’s rights and freedoms. The speakers of this webinar were Dr. Lydia Umar, Dr. Emem Okon, Ms Amy Oyekunle, Ms Amina Bint Muhammed, Ms Elizabeth Enu-Akan and Ms. Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon
The webinar had two sessions
Session 1: ‘Where are we and how did we get here?’
– Dr. Lydia Umar discussed the progress and challenges of feminism across generations, emphasizing the need for intergenerational collaboration. She highlighted personal experiences and influential figures who shaped her feminist journey, stressing the importance of unity among feminists.
– Ms. Nafisa-Atiku Adejuwon explored the impact of culture and tradition on feminist movements, advocating for inclusivity and cultural change. She emphasized the fluidity of culture and the need to challenge norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. – Ms. Amy Oyekunle emphasized the evolving role of women in leadership and political engagement, sharing personal insights and empowering messages. She urged women to assert their voices and take leadership roles in various spheres of society.
Session 2: ‘Where do we want to Go and How do We Get There?
– Dr. Emem Okon emphasized the importance of women’s financial literacy and empowerment, stressing the need for financial independence. She discussed strategies for empowering women economically and promoting financial literacy among women.
– Ms. Amina Bint Muhammad delved into changing dynamics in family and relationships, advocating for gender equality in traditional roles. She highlighted the importance of redefining societal expectations and promoting healthy relationships based on mutual respect.
– Ms. Elizabeth Enu-Akan discussed the role of personal growth, empowerment, and education for Nigerian feminists, emphasizing the power of mental empowerment. She encouraged women to invest in their personal development and stand up for their rights.
As we reflect on the success of the webinar, we are inspired to continue fostering an inclusive feminist movement and working towards gender equality and empowerment for all. This means all feminist young and old should align the goals and objectives to ensuring that women’s rights are upheld and that the feminist movement is in the direction of achieving gender equality.
Add your first comment to this post