Former Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, is firing a wake-up call to all Nigerian women! She’s made it crystal clear: stop sitting pretty and waiting to be invited to the table. It’s time to get up, stand up, and fight for your rightful place in the economic and political landscape of our great nation. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a powerful plea for active participation and a demand for genuine inclusion.
Here’s the lowdown on what Honourable Kennedy-Ohanenye is telling us:
- Women need to be proactive: Don’t wait to be called upon; actively pursue and demand your rights.
- Economic empowerment is key: True inclusion requires jobs and financial independence, not just symbolic gestures.
- Political participation needs a boost: While some progress has been made, more appointments and opportunities are crucial for women.
- Commitment and dedication: Women bring a unique, nurturing approach to leadership that benefits the nation.
- Accountability matters: Controversies often stem from a strong commitment to protecting women and children.
Enough Waiting, It’s Time to Fight!
Speaking candidly with ARISE NEWS, Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye declared, “I don’t believe in folding our hands and waiting to be called upon. I believe in working hard to fight for those our rights.” This powerful statement is a direct challenge to the passive approach some women may have taken in the past. She emphasized that the 35% affirmative action for women is great, but it’s meaningless without tangible opportunities like jobs and appointments. “We need more appointments. We’ve not really gotten to the 35% up to date,” she lamented, pointing out that only a meager 10% of women currently own properties, highlighting a stark economic disparity.
The Power of the ‘Motherly Thing’
Kennedy-Ohanenye passionately argued that women possess a unique “motherly thing” – a deep-seated drive to nurture and care. This, she believes, makes them exceptionally committed leaders, especially when it comes to nation-building. “Nigeria is like a child to us,” she stated, underscoring the innate dedication women bring to their roles. When given the chance, women are not just employees; they are dedicated stakeholders invested in the nation’s growth and well-being.
Navigating Controversies with Resolve
Addressing past controversies during her tenure, the former minister stood firm, explaining that her actions were driven by a need for accountability and the protection of vulnerable groups. “I can’t regret it because I tried the other approach initially… and it did not work. I had to confront it,” she confessed. She believes that rather than blaming the government, individuals must take responsibility for their actions and contribute to solutions. This no-nonsense approach, while sometimes sparking debate, was aimed at ensuring justice and safety for women and children.
Special Seats vs. Economic Power
While supporting the idea of special seats for women in the National Assembly, Kennedy-Ohanenye raised a crucial point: what good are seats if only a privileged few can occupy them? “When you give the special seats and only 10% of women are rich, who are the ones to occupy the special seats? That’s another problem.” She reiterated that true empowerment comes from economic independence, which enables more women to step into leadership roles, regardless of their background.
Shining a Light on Unfair Accusations
Claims that female lawmakers use their gender as a bargaining chip were swiftly dismissed. Kennedy-Ohanenye argued that legislative processes are governed by rules and laws, leaving little room for such “gender card” manipulation. “How can they even play the gender card? In the Senate, I believe they usually have a particular thing they address and the laws they follow,” she explained.
Ensuring Justice in Calabar
Recounting the University of Calabar sexual harassment incident, Barr. Kennedy-Ohanenye detailed her proactive steps to protect the alleged victims and uncover the truth. She revealed that the alleged victim later confessed to being pressured by university officials to retract her statement. “Stand by the truth. If you know the truth, stand by the truth. I want justice to be done,” she urged the victim, providing evidence of their conversation to the DSS for a thorough investigation. Her intervention was solely aimed at ensuring fairness and preventing the maltreatment of any student, male or female.
The message is clear: Nigerian women are capable, committed, and ready to lead. It’s time for the nation to provide the opportunities and support necessary for them to truly thrive and contribute to national development.
About The Author
