joomiegirl:

My dear, really didn't see anything chuavinistic about his post, nor intellectually derogatory about women.




The bald truth is; we africans tend to jump on every western bandwagon that rolls along without fully contemplating the pros and cons.
If the whites think its cool, then we must too? the LGBT issue is a perfect example...I don't condone hate for any reason whatsoever, but what is not good, is not good. Just because the western world thinks its the new "cool"; must we? But I digress.

I agree FULLY. I would lend my voice, and pen and any other thing to advocate against gender discrimination in the workplace; for example.
I believe in merit..irrespective of gender. Educating the girl child. All of that.

BUT It really IS quite another thing to advocate for equality in everything.

Trying to do so is a TOTAL fallacy.

And I believe with all humility that I'm in a position to speak on this matter.

I'm in a field that is predominantly male. About 95% male.
I work hard. I get recognition for my input. As a matter of fact, there are responsibilities that get handed to me by my boss, simply because he believes I'm far more meticulous in those areas than my male colleagues.

But my dear, let me tell you; there are some areas in my field in which even I; would NEVER dream of hiring a female. Areas that require BRAWN.

Areas in which a female can spout till she's blue in the face, but she cannot do what is required...she CANNOT deliver..in those areas!!

Me sef, Ah get muscle? no!

In light of that alone, what equality are we shouting about, really?

How about the men start a campaign AGAINST maternity leave, for example, since we want equality? Why should we get 3 months off, simply because we put to bed?

In the same vein, how bout the women start campaigning for men to start getting pregnant and carrying babies (I'm sure science can somehow arrange that, now)...

We are talking equality now, abi?

Do you see the confusion?

In relationships, the feminist makes it all a dreary power tussle. She wants to be head.
It throws the family system out of whack.
How about protection? Spiritual headship? Leadership, a father figure?

While it is true that some single mothers have done great jobs in raising their kids, those women certainly would tell you it would have been a lot easier if they had a strong, responsible father figure present.

I don't know about you, but I certainly shudder at the way both sexes are said to relate to each other in Finland.

I may be in a man's world, career-wise, BUT I'm no feminist.

I LIKE chivalry.

I EXPECT it.

Sounds crazy, but If I'm taking a walk with a guy, and I'm closest to the road, I expect him to swap positions with me. Yep.
Those little things say a lot...some automatically do it, and some don't. but then again not every man even knows what it is to be a real man, in the sense God meant him to be.
A man should protect his woman, and his children.

If we go on a date, I expect him to pay. Absolutely. It does NOT mean I cannot buy my own dinner.

If once in a while, I say, "hey, let's do lunch--my treat".... ehen, I know I'm paying. And even at that, does it diminish my sense of worth or independence; if he insists on picking up the bill?
I'm not some helpless female.
And yet, I wouldn't have things any other way than what God designed it to be.
BECAUSE and SIMPLY BECAUSE I have my own roles too. And I'm expected to support him. Allow him to be the leader. Of course I have input. But there can be no two captains in one boat.

Bottom-line, i think this dude pretty much summed it up:






My brother, I really don't know. Seeing as I'm not a feminist. All I see is a lot of man-hating and rage, especially amongst the "radical feminists" or wetin dem call deirselves...
We can talk till we're blue in the face...let everyman do what seemeth right unto him. That is the chaos we live in, in today's world.

Biko, that popcorn don finish?

At least this is one female that doesn't think the male gender is superior to hers and therefore see no need to clamour for gender equality.

A true African woman knows her worth and acknowledges her limitations. A true African woman is busy enhancing her strengths and putting them to good use and really has no time for bickering especially when it concerns things that defy the logic of common sense.

Akunyili, Obiageli, Ngozi Iweala and co are all shining examples of women who have done very well and are shinning examples. And they live and work in the same society that blind fanatical feminists say does not respect the rights of females. What exactly do this people want anyway? That all the Male-folk gather at their feet and do them obeisance?

Bootybuttchic: u still dont undrrstand whats goin on here,u supported feminism,now u are saying something else....maybe u are on the wrong thread

Please go and read my posts again and stop accusing me of what you don't know. Which statement of mine supported feminism. No wonder you grabbed the post as if we have a personal battle. This is not a question of yes or No. I expressed myself that the long post shows a war between Adichie and whoever the writer was. That accusing Adichie of mocking Achebe is grave. I said i disagreed with the writer on one point which is that all communities in Igbo land treat women fairly. I stated that if my guess on Adichie community is correct then the writer should not wonder because her community is likely to breed the kinds of people the writer accused her of. And concluded that i dont understand feminism as its extreme but believes in fair treatment for all men. So pls stop quoting me out of context.

@pickabeau1
Are you kidding me You wrote all this and yet you are living where? In Finland i suppose.
Why?
Isnt Nigeria good enough for you? Wow! But i thought you dont want the Finnish society replicated in Nigeria.
I have a few points to make on this thread.
1. I just read snippets of your epistle abd from those i am going to make several conclusions.
2. Finland is an example of a 1st world country where women have contributed fully to the society. Nigeria on the other hand is the epitome of what i call 'hell's kitchen'.
3. Feminism that is practised fully in the world is where the most developed societies are. Tell me if i am wrong.
4. You said women on boards did not deserve to be there because they needed to meet a quota. Is that because you think men are just naturally smarter than men because there is no scientific basis behind that.
5. I as a feminist does not mind paying for my food or opening my doors. I dont need a man to survive. If that is what makes you men mad about feminists then you guys are the ones that need an attitude check not us.

You ran away from naija at 20 yet you say naija society is better than where you currently live. And some fools will die on top this matter while you live in a place with 24hrs light, constant water supply, great security, impeccable road networks, free healthcare system, etc. If you dont know men and WOMEN built that system that you are living in. What have the menthat rule Nigeria done for our country? Mtschhheeewwwwwww!!!

The most annoying things about these so called Nigerian feminist is that most are a bunch of annoying hypocrites, they dont practise the nonsense they preach as many of them still depend on men for most of their needs yet they want to be seen as equals with men.

Not until you lots starts start advocating that you want to start paying groom price, then we men will start taking you seriously and gladly accept we are equals. You all have been asked 'in what areas have you not been given equal opportunity as men' and non is able to provide a reasonable answer, i pity the young, unsuspecting females you all are trying to mislead.

Feminism has no place in Nigeria and indeed Africa, and i guess Nigeria has its own version of feminism against that of the western world, cos its only in Nigeria you will see a jobless girl forming feminist. Only in Nigeria you will hear feminists say they want a real man who will take care of them.

Silly, annoying wannabes and bunch of brainwashed irritants who want to eat their cakes and have. Nonsense!

freshdude2: Erm Pickabeau1, you get an essay like this and the first name you mention is Cococandy? You have all but defeated the purpose of this thread. To have a really healthy debate on this subject matter, you need someone with a functional brain. Not a read and vomit kind of "feminist". Did you not read this:

I know for a fact that African
feminists qualify as the worst
globally—the least informed,
specifically. And I’m not very
surprised by this truth, given
that they try to copy a Western
ideology they know practically
nothing about.

Did you read her first comment? The number of top-profile women is a true indication of whether or not the society is suppressive and oppressive of/too women!

so because she gave her opnion you dont agree with you decided to insult her intelligence?

red101: Chimamanda Adichie is a brilliant woman. Nigeria needs more women like her.



I agree. I watched it and rewatched it because it was really good. Even Beyonce had to use it in her album.

thank u

Dantedasz: 99% of women claiming to be feminists in Nigeria are hypocrites,liars,fakes and big frauds. They are arguing a philosophy they do not understand nor believe in.
100%of the feminists on Nairaland are fakes,liars and frauds who do not practice what they preach.

you have a point. The so-called naija feminists should start by marrying and not changing their family name.

Do you know that swedish men were legally obligated to pee while sitting? As if Decades of Robbing them off their identity isnt enough.As if making them the mockery of other men around the world wasnt doing the trick enough; making them reach out for partners from other races and cultures? our dear feminists are taking there noble cause further...Alter the physical nature of men...maybe have our penis carved off us eventually.its hard not to imagine this is where its leading up to.To what does this end? "The local chapter of a left party, a socialist and feminist political party in sormaland county council, sweden" is pushing for the legislation for men to pee while sitting on a toilet bowl.And this is not even the half of it, amidts the bitter resentments in these nations.

pickabeau1: Did u read the write up

Its not solely about chimanda

1. I think its about the fact that she is harping for an ideology she knows little of

Vey comical was the example of her expecting people to lift her bags when everyone is equal

2. Also she raised the practical example of living in a highly feminized society and the fact that marital issues still occur

3. That Nigerian women are also as educated and knowledgeable as most of their counterparts anywhere

I will have expected you to read and critique her points rather than saying she is a hater

90% of that post is criticising her and her work.

Seriously who says "we no longer make enough offspring to perpertuate our civilisation"

When we have millions and millions of children all over Africa that have been raise by one parent or none at all. The "little we have" we cannot even handle and one coconut head is talking about "no longer making enough offspring" seriously?!

Guidette: @pickabeau1
Are you kidding me You wrote all this and yet you are living where? In Finland i suppose.
Why?
Isnt Nigeria good enough for you? Wow! But i thought you dont want the Finnish society replicated in Nigeria.
I have a few points to make on this thread.
1. I just read snippets of your epistle abd from those i am going to make several conclusions.
2. Finland is an example of a 1st world country where women have contributed fully to the society. Nigeria on the other hand is the epitome of what i call 'hell's kitchen'.
3. Feminism that is practised fully in the world is where the most developed societies are. Tell me if i am wrong.
4. You said women on boards did not deserve to be there because they needed to meet a quota. Is that because you think men are just naturally smarter than men because there is no scientific basis behind that.
5. I as a feminist does not mind paying for my food or opening my doors. I dont need a man to survive. If that is what makes you men mad about feminists then you guys are the ones that need an attitude check not us.

You ran away from naija at 20 yet you say naija society is better than where you currently live. And some fools will die on top this matter while you live in a place with 24hrs light, constant water supply, great security, impeccable road networks, free healthcare system, etc. If you dont know men and WOMEN built that system that you are living in. What have the menthat rule Nigeria done for our country? Mtschhheeewwwwwww!!!

Pickabeau wasn't the author of that article!!!

And If you read all of the article you will see how off point your submission is!!!

obayaya:

Pickabeau wasn't the author of that article!!!

And If you read all of the article you will see how off point your submission is!!!

Pheww.. thanks

Guidette.. read the whole article not snippets

Mondisweets .. you read the whole article and believe 90 percent is a criticism of chimanda

Given that this is the same Nigerian society that Adichie attempts, desperately, to lecture on the emancipation of women, one could state explicitly that: the need doesn’t exist because the problem doesn’t.

Indeed the problem doesn't exist, this person's daughter or sister has never been kidnapped and forced to marry against her will

Clearly her own daughter or sister has never been sent to Europe to work as an underage sex worker.

Clearly her own daughter or sister has never been abducted by terrorists, tortured and sexually violated

Current divorce records in Nigeria prove that most of them were filed not by men but women.

Please tell me most of these divorces are not filed because of abuse or infidelity?

And if that alone doesn’t nullify Adichie’s claim of Nigeria being a land of emasculated women, then let this be food for thought: emasculated women have never been known in any society to initiate divorce; they instead put up with their partner’s hubris, conform to the whims and caprices of their husband, and in essence accept their subjugated lives.

so because a lot of cases of divorce are filed by women it completely eliminates the fact that there are probably more women who live in marriage where they are neglected and abused as opposed to those who find the strength to leave the marriage and carry on with live?

But even so, the few employment opportunities in Nigeria today favour women—I speak from experience, and can safely argue that I know more employed females than males of my generation, despite their attending the same schools.

so this very intelligent person has given her opinion on a country that has over 150million people based on the few people she knows, which by the way may not even exceed 2000

The OP completely misses Ms Adichie stance on Nigeria and her take on Feminism. For the avoidance of doubt, Ms Adichie does not take prisoners. She did not 'dis' Achebe. On the contrary, she stated that Achebe authored for a different time and place. She also admitted that Achebe was a pioneer. On Nigeria, she is 'angry' that we (Nigerians) are apologetic for 'disengaging' from intellectual pursuits and dwelling more on trivia and rampant consumption. On feminism, she believes that the 'black woman' especially the eboe women are too differential to the black men. That the women are often seen as an appendage of the male of the species. Essentially, she believes in unapologetic equality of men and women. She is using her 'status' as an 'International Author' to promote her activism. Ms Adichie is the epitome of 'class' and sophistication. Above all, she has grace. It is an insult to compare Ms Adichie and other 'Nigerian' women (even the blessed Dr Iweala). She is hair, head and shoulders above them all. She is not a politician, nor an entertainer, but a brilliant mirror to the 'disgusting' Nigeria (in particular eboe land) society we wish to propel to the 21st century, despite the screaming in the background

princefunmi:

A true African woman knows her worth and acknowledges her limitations. A true African woman is busy enhancing her strengths and putting them to good use and really has no time for bickering especially when it concerns things that defy the logic of common sense.

do enlighten us all on how the OP was achieving that by saying achidie "lacks class" and claiming that she has a " tasteless class of performance."

This is someone who clearly has achieved nothing, insulting someone who is globally recognised

carefreewannabe:

You are pro the right to vote for women, pro the education of the female child, pro same salaries for men and women in equal positions and you say you are not a feminist according to the following definition?

Feminism = the belief that women should have the same social, political and economic rights

This thread really is tired, and besides my popcorn haf finish

But I really feel I should reply your post comprehensively.

That definition is very incomplete- a screensaver.

"One of the main problems with “feminism” is that it exploits the legitimate claims of equal rights as a cloak to usher in its divisive, hateful and neurotic interests. Interests that are plainly anti-male and not at all about equal rights." -Kelly Mac (a woman)

CLARIFICATION:

HERE ARE SOME QUOTES FROM FAMOUS FEMINISTS:

“I feel that ‘man-hating’ is an honourable and viable political act, that the oppressed have a right to class-hatred against the class that is oppressing them.”  – Robin Morgan, Ms. Magazine Editor

THIS ONE IS CLASSIC:
“To call a man an animal is to flatter him; he’s a machine, a walking Love Machine.”  -– Valerie Solanas

“I want to see a man beaten to a bloody pulp with a high-heel shoved in his mouth, like an apple in the mouth of a pig.” — Andrea Dworkin

“Rape is nothing more or less than a conscious process of intimidation by which all men keep all women in a state of fear” — Susan Brownmiller

(Chai. ALL men?)

“The more famous and powerful I get the more power I have to hurt men.” — Sharon Stone

“In a patriarchal society, all heterosexual intercourse is rape because women, as a group, are not strong enough to give meaningful consent.” — Catherine MacKinnon

“The proportion of men must be reduced to and maintained at approximately 10% of the human race.” — Sally Miller Gearhart

“Men who are unjustly accused of rape can sometimes gain from the experience.” – Catherine Comins

“All men are rapists and that’s all they are” — Marilyn French

“Probably the only place where a man can feel really secure is in a maximum security prison, except for the imminent threat of release.” — Germaine Greer.
http://www.womenagainstmen.com/media/feminism-is-a-hate-group.html

ALL OF THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTAINED IN THAT DEFINITION.

HERE IS MY TAKE, FROM WHAT I RESEARCHED ONLINE:

Feminism is beyond the right to vote and the education of the girl child.
The may have started out with that, but have long ago "lost it" along the way.

Feminists have pure scorn and disregard for the women who CHOOSE to be stay-at-home moms.

Feminists do not recognize the man as the head of the home.

Their doctrine and dogma have added greatly to the dysfunctionality in families.

THIS, THEN; IS MY SUBMISSION:

I Know who I am.

Some silly dictionary does NOT define me.

That label...I don't care for it; it looks NOTHING like me; I do not share in its ideals stated above.

TWO PEOPLE define who I am: GOD FIRST, and then myself. I hope to do him proud with His definition of me. Its a process.

You're a feminist..no wahala.

However, from what I've read from you thus far, it seems you may been looking at the screensavers they have, not the nitty-gritty core ideals of these people. Which is PRECISELY what A. Gonzago tried to point out. I will grant you that allowance.


I don't have to be a feminist to expect fairness.

I don’t have to be a feminist to recognize the incredible value of women.  

I don’t have to be a feminist to feel empowered.  

I was crafted by the Master Creator with the ultimate gifts and abilities to make the world a better place.  

My dear, I don't want to turn this into a religious argument; I don't know if you're a christian, but I am, and its not something I can hide.

Ever heard of Zelophehad's daughters? They were five (5) sisters in the bible who were told they couldn't inherit their father's property because they were women.
They complained to Moses, and God instructed Moses to give them their inheritance; it was their right.

Same bible preaches hierachy and order; man to submit to God, woman to submit to man.

I live by the bible (so help me God), and that bible is at complete loggerheads with the ideals and values of feminists. I did not cook up those ideals, its what I researched and saw.

So therefore; I am no feminist.
QED.

Cheers dear.

THE END.

That awkward moment when Guidette jumped in on this thread and went full throttle off point.

I'm still enjoying this discourse. Waiting for someone to challenge crackhaus' epic finale.

crudedude: That awkward moment when Guidette jumped in on this thread and went full throttle off point.

I'm still enjoying this discourse. Waiting for someone to challenge crackhaus' epic finale.

LOL.Feminist wanabes

pickabeau1: Dude or Dudette

What i hear u say is the insults is what differentiates a radical feminist from radical one and you used a post from a poster as an example
Whati if i bring out posts where she has insulted people.. she suddenly becomes radical// thats weak men

I expected something along the lines of ideological differences not something which is a personality issue

Insulting or using cuss words should not be an ideological characteristic but a personal one

That's a gross misrepresentation of what I said. Please read me again. I never said that insults are the difference, I said that demonizing men is the difference. If you want us to have a fruitful discussion then please at the very least, do me the courtesy of accurately representing my position.

Kay17: @crackhaus

@anony1

Those issues crackhaus diligently made can be resolved if women have the requisite rights. Because most Igbo women are not accorded the human right to dignity of a person, they are treated in such manner. Because most women lack economic rights, they fall into poverty upon divorce or widowship.

Adichie is obviously right. Women are not accorded respect, they are treated like objects, yet if they do have rights which translates to power,they become self assertive EVEN in their sexuality.

Please name one right that men have in Nigeria which women lack.

I could modify what i wrote, but i still stand by it. 99% of you will run at a chance to leave Nigeria to societies where things actually work, but forget that those societies where built by men and women. Hypocrites.

MrAnony1:
That's a gross misrepresentation of what I said. Please read me again. I never said that insults are the difference, I said that demonizing men is the difference. If you want us to have a fruitful discussion then please at the very least, do me the courtesy of accurately representing my position.

I have taken d liberty of defining demonize .. see below and quoted the most apt definition
I ask you again

1. When you say demonize is that a group characteristic or a personal one as most of the comments i read by our resident feminists involve one comment saying men are dogs, men are cheats, evil etc bla bla bla

2. Are you saying that until i hear them speak, then i know whether they are radical or regular

=============================================
Demonize

1. to make into or like a demon

2. to subject to demonic influence

3. to mark out or describe as evil or culpable: the technique of demonizing the enemy in the run-up to war

Guidette: I could modify what i wrote, but i still stand by it. 99% of you will run at a chance to leave Nigeria to societies where things actually work, but forget that those societies where built by men and women. Hypocrites.

Lol.There u go again.

joomiegirl: I live by the bible (so help me God), and that bible is at complete loggerheads with the ideals and values of feminists. I did not cook up those ideals, its what researched and seen.

I laud your firm Christian stance and appreciation that Christianity & feminism are like oil and water. Anything good about feminism is already demanded by Christianity. Christianity needs nothing added, taken away or revised/updated.

Very well said.


TV

MrAnony1: I said that demonizing men is the difference.

I see your point here; extreme feminists demonise men while "regular" feminists either don't or indeed demand "equality" for men as well?

This presents problems as you are attempting to define feminists outside of feminism. Specifically it's tenets.

No fault divorce and the criteria for child custody and asset division is unfair to men. None of the feminist types "as described" are fighting against this.

Full reporductive rights for women, not only excludes men, but in it's fullness allows women to garnish responsibilities from men without affording them the attendant rights. Again, I do not see any feminsits as you've defined railing against this.

Your point is overly reductionist and simplistic. I feel feminism should be judged by it's outworkings on society as a whole - it's tenets and their implications - not just on whether some loathe men and some do not.

Just as we have men that hate women, we take action only against those who hate women and would deny or violate their rights. If some feminsits hate men, but are not acting in a way or promoting ideologies that actively harm them, what is the problem?


TV

Thanks for that simple clear statement

I wonder why he is taking other feminist groupings off the table

Christian, prolife, Islamic, Atheist, Queer etc

The funniest of them all is Christian feminist

TV01:
I see your point here; extreme feminists demonise men while "regular" feminists either don't or indeed demand "equality" for men as well?

This presents problems as you are attempting to define feminists outside of feminism. Specifically it's tenets.

No fault divorce and the criteria for child custody and asset division is unfair to men. None of the feminist types "as described" are fighting against this.

Full reporductive rights for women, not only excludes men, but in it's fullness allows women to garnish responsibilities from men without affording them the attendant rights. Again, I do not see any feminsits as you've defined railing against this.

Your point is overly reductionist and simplistic. I feel feminism should be judged by it's outworkings on society as a whole - it's tenets and their implications - not just on whether some loathe men and some do not.

Just as we have men that hate women, we take action only against those who hate women and would deny or violate their rights. If some feminsits hte men, but are not acting in a way or promoting ideologies that actively harm them, what is the problem?


TV

callmenow: For the avoidance of doubt, Ms Adichie does not take prisoners. She did not 'dis' Achebe. On the contrary, she stated that Achebe authored for a different time and place. She also admitted that Achebe was a pioneer. On Nigeria, she is 'angry' that we (Nigerians) are apologetic for 'disengaging' from intellectual pursuits and dwelling more on trivia and rampant consumption. On feminism, she believes that the 'black woman' especially the eboe women are too differential to the black men. That the women are often seen as an appendage of the male of the species. Essentially, she believes in unapologetic equality of men and women. She is using her 'status' as an 'International Author' to promote her activism. Ms Adichie is the epitome of 'class' and sophistication. Above all, she has grace. It is an insult to compare Ms Adichie and other 'Nigerian' women (even the blessed Dr Iweala). She is hair, head and shoulders above them all. She is not a politician, nor an entertainer, but a brilliant mirror to the 'disgusting' Nigeria (in particular eboe land) society we wish to propel to the 21st century, despite the screaming in the background

Do you have a link to the article on her dis on achebe...

So you rank Adichie ahead of women like Ngozi Okonjo, Funmi Ransome Kuti etc .. interesting

this is fangirlism to the core

crackhaus:
You see bro, I wasn't even supposed to provide that list but ever since I joined in this feminism gist on NL a long while ago, I have always asked them (feminists) to state exactly what their fight is about in regards to Nigeria...and every time I asked, they never mentioned any of those things I pointed out.
The NL/internet feminists only list things that are either about competition with the male gender or about economic inequality which in reality doesn't even exist in Nigeria.

This is one of the problems with Africans and Nigerians in particular, we copy things from the west and try to effect it directly without remembering that Africa is an entirely different society with different set of rules. This can be likened to a situation where a student during an exam copies answers from another student and replicates every single word, symbol, sentence, and punctuation...yet expects the examiner to not notice.
It's just stoopid, this is why I call African feminists jokers.

Copying or adopting western styled feminism into Africa is not even the crime, it's copying it and applying it hook, line, and sinker.
Not everyone is a genius, not everyone is authentic..the least these feminists can do is to copy and then readapt or reshape western feminism into what suits our society...meaning dealing with the real problems, this is what a smart person will do.

All that talk of equality in marriage, equality in work and pay grade, equality in acquiring property, equality in 'promiscuity', etc are just excuses competitive women use in the name of equality. It's not as if the divide in all these spheres of equality even exist or if they do, are peripheral.

The feminism in Nigeria should be about important things that affect the traditional Nigerian society, some of which I already highlighted in them examples earlier...not about some inexistent inequality in economic, marriage, or the social setting.

Same old assumptions.

1. The West is bad and evil

2. Feminists know nothing.

3. There is no discrimination against the female sex.

No 3 is the only engaging assumption. The other two are just plain hopeless. More like a boko haram committee meeting.

I need to ask a question though moving forward.Note I have no problem if you choose to be called feminist but this question needs to address an issue I have always pondered:

A couple of issues have been raised on why we need feminism apart from the right to vote,earn equal pay, right to be educated,right to own property (all of which are now more or less enshrined in the LAW I know the law is not always reality in Nigeria but The law caters to women doing all these).

Issues like shaming of women not being married and them being made to feel inferior(again I have loads of unmarried 30 something year old friends,cousins my own sister is 30 next year and she is definitely not getting married before that birthday and no one oppresses them except annoying comments which is nothing a healthy dose of self esteem cannot fight )things like women not being shamed for being se.xually adventurous,women not made to feel like appendages to men(again healthy dose of self esteem) and some other issues.How exactly is feminism going to achieve abolishing all these issues in Nigeria?

Marches?Change in legislation?associations?NGO's etc?Seriously and I am not being funny here how exactly will feminism solve these issues?The suffraggettes had a goal women want to vote,civil rights movement stop racial segregation(Jim crow laws) how exactly is feminism as a movement going to fight some of these issues in an actual(struggling for the use of a word here) but il use concrete form? Even the gay rights activists had a goal legalise gay marriage(I don't agree with it) but it was a goal.So apart from saying 'I am a feminist' I need to know how exactly all these ills and issues can be fought using feminism.

Guidette: I could modify what i wrote, but i still stand by it. 99% of you will run at a chance to leave Nigeria to societies where things actually work, but forget that those societies where built by men and women. Hypocrites.

And what were those societies like when they became developed? Well, I've got news for you - women were repressed, and most of them were either maids, or allowed to work in the bakeries and factories, when the west became developed.

Perhaps, Nigeria needs to go back to that era. Lock all the women at home to work as maids, or make them work in bakeries and factories, till the country becomes fully developed.So as to enable feminism to thrive. What do you think?

princefunmi:

Obviously you know nothing about feminism.

I suggest you educate yourself on the tenets of feminism. You obviously are having a hard time coming to grips with play on words. Gender, Sex what is the sole difference? There really isn't any difference unless of-course you begin to lean towards the depraved western mentality that permits such "genders" as bisexual and the likes. A depraved western society of which feminism is a cultural thing. Let us not forget what culture is my friend - the way of life of a people. If feminism is the way of life of the so-called western world, why then should we adopt a foreign way of life simply because it has superficial benefits to a certain gender who are supposedly downtrodden and unequal to a certain "superior" gender. I think advocates of feminism suffer deeply from an inferiority complex that quite frankly I find hard to explain. The harsh reality is that the coefficients of the supposed gender inequality saga is perpetrated mostly by those of the same gender that happens to be victims. So what then exactly are we saying when the women are their own worst enemies.

Like I have said before, advocating for the rights of women within the context of the African setting is laudable. Saying that male and female gender must be treated as equals is highly immoral. Make no mistakes, no sex is superior to the other. The normal natural setting is that both sexes compliment each other.

What is gender to you? How do you define gender?

crackhaus:
You're missing it again. What requisite rights do men have that women don't?
What economic rights?

The issue of maltreatment and poverty of widows is not an issue of rights but one of culture.
This is resolved at the grassroots level between the families involved and/or the community.
In fact, some women have been known to stubbornly refuse any traditional rites that diminish self worth after they loose their husbands...I know at least two.
They refused to be locked in the room, or sleep by the coffin holding the husband's corpse...and nothing happened to them. They stood their ground and they were left alone.

Did you hear that Akwa-ibom state government made it a criminal offence should any woman be forced into harsh and unfair treatment by in-laws at the demise of her husband?

As far as rights go, it already covers women in Nigeria. There are no rights enjoyed by men and restricted from women in Nigeria.

There is very little you understand about rights (judging from your post).

1. Economic rights such as equal employment and promotion, proper participation in the public space and other related rights empower women. Poverty is a prominent risk amongst widows, because they are deprived of careers, assets and properties AnD a voice in the public square. There wouldn't be need for charities like family and community AS is found in Western societies where the woman is fully independent economically.

2. Because women are seen as objects without humanity and rights, they can be beaten, locked, ra.ped and what so ever. If they had rights to human dignity, that wouldn't happen, such Igbo cultural norms would die out.

3. The fact the government criminalises an act does not mean the women are empowered with a resulting right. The right to prosecute is with the state. Don't confuse yourself.

4. I will pick out rights men enjoy that women don't have.