In 1920 American women voted for the first time due to the battle that women like Susan B Anthony who was born in 1820 into Quaker family and believed that men and woman should work and live as equal. In this course of fight other woman like Elizabeth C. Stanton, with Alice Paul were at the forefront of equality among men and women. For over 1oo years women have fought and continued fighting till these days so that women can be represented in all professional fields, for equal remuneration, and change marital law that will favor the woman and her children, and protection laws from marital violence and sexual abuse. Yet it seems like not much has been achieved, to be honest there been a tremendous achievement in the struggle.

Result of the struggle

The struggle of women has come a long way, The 1995 Beijing convention that was attended by women all over the world brought about the 8th march celebration of woman day to show you, how woman have not relented in their fight for equality in all aspect. This woman day celebration reminds us of the much work we still have to do because of the consistent rapes, sexual assault in work places, and curbing woman and girl trafficking abroad.

Why

In 2018 marital violence has increased, raped children and women has multiplied, women used as sexual tools and sexually assaulted by men before they can be giving jobs has increased. Few Africa women have held presidential position, and key ministerial positions. Women still looked upon as sex tool? Why has rape become rampant? Especially, children been raped? It really bothers me, could woman be portraying themselves as sex objects? Or thus poverty has a role to play in it? Or has it got to do with upbringing?

Total empowerment achievable

A united nation general committee meeting that was held in October 2011 on equal right empowerment said woman empowerment can be a change agent for sustained socio-economic development and security. What it means that the equal right that we have been fighting for over the years has not been fully achieved that is why insecurity is at its peak, decision making position are still been held by men, equality in remuneration and power sharing among men and women has been not achieved, yes of course we see women in all work force both in public office or in private sector, yet a lot needs to be done for woman to have valor, to be employed because she is qualified, to be promoted to the highest position without sex or bribe. Though you see many women having position as director or perm sec, is not as equal to that of men, when it comes to decision making, the majority carries the vote, and the majority are who? <MEN>; even at social level men are still at the top.

Abused women and girls

Africa has the highest rate of child sexual abuse 34.4% and in 2014 60% of these children’s that are trafficked abroad and are Nigerian children.

Causes

Let look at the causes of the increase of sexual child abuse. Sexual assault encompasses a range of acts including coerced sex in marriage, dating relationships, rape by stranger and demand for sex for jobs or school grade and the worst trafficking of women and girls. Sexual assault is to force someone into an unwanted sex victims mostly women and girls, the cause of sexual abuse can be linked to break down of values in the society no enough enlightenment on the value of the girl child, abuse of sexual verbal words on the children, mentality and attitude that the girl child is only for sex and marriage, in the upbringing of the children the male is preferred to the girl child , many children’s are psychological traumatized, by their parent who abused them physically and mentally.

Many children are badly brought up especially the boy child, without moral or values, and respect for fellow humans, through constant abuse by parents made their children to become unsecured and lack self-esteem, lack of love or care, in fact several factors that cannot all be mentioned, but one thing is certain the struggled must continue.

Possible solution

At this aspect what needs to be done is for women and NGO′S to not relent in their fight against the equal right of women and men in politics and decision making position so that laws and constitutions could be amended to protect and prevent sexual abuse and intimidation and victimization, enough campaign on value system of people, enough public alignment to change the attitude and mentality of people, respect for self and for others, campaign must be done at the grass root, school, church and mosque, families should be involved in playing their major role in the upbringing of their children, women must not hesitate to report to the appropriate agency of the sexual abuse, rape or sexual intimidation that they are going through, and above all offenders should be seriously punished for their monstrosity. It has been proving that in the long run the girl child education will go a long way in boosting the socio-economic and socio-cultural status of a woman in the society. The girl child in class will be off the street where she is firstly exposed to sex.

Culled from: https://www.marylouiseonline.com/women-have-come-a-long-way-in-their-struggle-to-equality/

Gender equality is a laughable term.

Do you think the Nigerian people are ready for equality.