Re: Ending discrimination against women
I was totally jolted by the aforementioned lugubrious publication written by Dr. (Mrs.) Jumai Ahmadu, in which she had taken part in the celebration of the International Women’s Day. The publication which appeared on page 51 of your newspaper of Thursday, March 08, 2018, had delved too deeply into the lingering discrimination lagging behind Nigerian […]
I was totally jolted by the aforementioned lugubrious publication written by Dr. (Mrs.) Jumai Ahmadu, in which she had taken part in the celebration of the International Women’s Day. The publication which appeared on page 51 of your newspaper of Thursday, March 08, 2018, had delved too deeply into the lingering discrimination lagging behind Nigerian women in gender parity compared to their counterparts in other countries, more especially in the northern part of the country.
In my opinion, as Nigeria joined the rest of the world for marking this crucial day, I realized that women in the northern part are being asphyxiated by illiteracy and lack of empowerment that culminates in severe poverty across the region. It is pertinent to know that the significance of formal education, empowerment and career opportunities for our women cannot be underestimated towards alleviating horrendous poverty across the region.
As everyone knows, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the National Policy on Education advocates for the access to formal education as it is a giant right for all Nigerians regardless of their gender, religion and disabilities. Sadly, some parents rebuff admitting their daughters into higher institutions fearing indecency, depravity and degeneracy while others look upon that as an innovation which is against Islamic teachings. These parents failed to remember that even prophet Mohammed (PBUH) stated that seeking knowledge is compulsory on every Muslim (Irrespective of gender).
It is tear-jerking that the UNICEP stated that there are 5.5 million girls in Nigeria, most of them in the northern part, are being refrained from obtaining formal education in higher institutions. Parents should avert from this perilous thoughts as it adds fuel to the flame of beggary, hardships and destitution for women or divorcees across the region. It is vital to know that building up our women is tantamount to building up our nation and communities. So, no one can deny that access to western education is recommended by our major religions including Islam as stated above. It is apparent that empowering women plays a crucial role in eradicating extreme poverty and prostitution in the region.
Furthermore, during the advent of Islam, various Muslims women had made giant strides in founding surgery and midwifery. For instance, the world history couldn’t shut its eyes to Rufaida Al-Aslamia, who was specialised in clinical skills and the first female surgeon in Islam. She was also recognized as the first nurse in the history of medicine. And she had trained other women to acquire clinical skills, including the famous female companions of Prophet Muhammad, Khadija and Ayesha, to be nurses and work in the areas of healthcare.
Finally, I appeal to all discerning parents to prioritise female education just like their male counterparts in the rural areas of the northern part of the country as it is not against the teachings of their religion. They should also strive to sponsor their daughters to become gynecologists, obstetricians, midwives and other indispensable fields.
Mustapha Baba Azare, Bauchi state.