Re: Why we banned pregnant women, nursing mothers-NYSC boss

It is common knowledge that every married woman of child bearing age (which is the target age group for the scheme) is logically expected to be either pregnant or nursing a child, going by the average cycle of two years (for child bearing and nursing) in most Nigerian communities. And knowing this cycle to be […]

It is common knowledge that every married woman of child bearing age (which is the target age group for the scheme) is logically expected to be either pregnant or nursing a child, going by the average cycle of two years (for child bearing and nursing) in most Nigerian communities. And knowing this cycle to be logically and practically repetitive, when then are they supposed to serve?
I think the scheme or more specifically its management should have a rethink about this and other blanket policies of the scheme against the backdrop of discriminatory issues like gender, religion and negative stereotypes.
It should be noted that the national service is a basic and even mandatory requirement for the qualified target group, and as such, barring any person or group from the service on account of their (positive) natural circumstance at the given time is a serious demographic discrimination and an infringement on the women’s rights which some would say – is unconstitutional. On this issue, time is of essence, because of the privileges and benefits that the service certificate confers on its holders; and for the simple fact that it is ‘mandatory’ for those in that particular age group upon graduation.
Again, it should also be noted that the national service is not military service. Even if it were, the least the managers of the scheme can do is to be sensitive to the nuances of our cultures and religions, especially in the orientation camps.
The running of the day to day affairs of these camps leaves much to be desired and requires serious re-examination. For instance, it is abhorrent in my culture to subject a woman (more especially a married one) to wear those camp uniforms as they are, go about without a head cover; or go through the rigours of the so-called ‘regimented/regimental’ camp life, not to talk of other undignified conduct and indiscretions of these camp activities and programmes.
Over the years many people have expressed serious reservations about having their wives, daughters and sisters go for orientation camps simply because of the issues raised above, and for the fact that they can be made to be by choice rather than the straight-faced ‘must do’ stance of the scheme.
I believe it will do the nation, the NYSC and all of us a lot of good if our pregnant and nursing wives, daughters and sisters are allowed to serve ‘when they should’. This is because they too will like to have a structured life/career progress – further their educations, secure jobs and or go on with their lives (as at when due); without having to suffer any delay on account of their positive contribution to sustaining the natural chain of society – including producing a set of future corps members.
 M. Sheriff, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja<[email protected]>