WORLD OF FEMALE- Gender Equality And Equity In Youth World

N.B: THIS IS A LECTURE DELIVERED BY OYEJIDE DAMILARE ON 28-08-2016
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Gender Equality is the fact of being equal in Human Rights, Status, Service and Resources for both men and women. Mostly when there is gender inequality, it is women that are more likely to be disadvantaged and marginalized; but we should not ignore the negative impact that gender inequality can have on men as well.

 For instance, the reaction of Law on Sexual Harassment favors women than men, if not women only. Therefore gender equality is the concern of all and changes must be brought about for both men and women, even though greater share of inequality is on women side.

 Going by gender equality, as defined above, does not often result in equal outcomes for men and women, for being given the same chances in life is not sufficient to bring about true equality. Men and women have different needs and experiences, and accommodation should be made for these differences.

 There is still the unfortunate tendency to consider male norms as a measure for women's position. Providing women and men with the same opportunities is the first step; but for true GENDER EQUALITY to be achieved there is a need for GENDER EQUITY.

  Gender equity, as I may define is the process of being fair to women and men. Where women and men should not only be given equal access to resources and opportunities, but they should also be given equal means of benefiting from this equality. This is where the concept of ‘gender equity' comes in to balance 'gender equality'.

 "Traditionally some prefer white-collar jobs and excel as home keepers. But now, Nigerian women, like their Western counterparts are venturing into hard jobs like Military, Aviation, Engineering....., and come as tough and competent as men"............TELL'13

 For years now, matters keep arising on gender equality, making females equal with males. Lower status of women in society often constitutes a handicap and provisions should be made to redress this inequality before they can take advantage of the opportunities provided. With this,  we can say that equity is essential to achieve true equality.

 With few examples of women who have taken part in holding high positions in different fields here in Nigeria; Dupe Adelaga, first female Minister of defence in Africa. Margaret Ekpo, first female legislator. Grace Alele William, UNIBEN first female Vice Chancellor. Elizabeth Awoniyi Abimbola, first female doctor. Flora Nwakpa, first female novelist. Bisi Ugowe, first female deputy I.G.
Elifrida Adeho, first female professor. Folake Solanke, first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Among others are Aloma Mukhtar(Chief Justice), Olubunmi Etteh(Speaker, House of Rep.) and lots more.

 The question needed to be medicated upon is Why Gender Equality and Equity is needed?.
Worldwide, most countries (especially developed countries) recognize that equal right should exist between men and women. Many have produced regulations intended to fight discrimination and programmes too, granting women access to health, education and economic rights such as land ownership.

  It is important to create an open and friendly atmosphere to address issues like this; involving men and women rather than only women. Because gender biases are embedded in culture, which is making it very difficult to eradicate them without having a holistic view and involving men as part of solution.

  Meditating on this, the followings are facts that proves girls and women everywhere deserve to live in a better world than exist today. To start with, in 2015 there were only 21 female heads of states in the entire world. Yes, only 21. Although women make up 49.6% of the world’s population, only 11 women served as heads of state, whilst 10 served as heads of government. 21 out of 196 world leaders that signed the Global Goals, can we really create a fairer world if only a tenth of these are women?. With gender inequality and inequity, it is Capital NO.

  Another is, looking into Law Section, over 150 countries have at least one actively sexist law. From “legitimate” rape in India, to unfair inheritance laws in the UK, majority of countries still harbour laws that make life more difficult – or more dangerous – for women and girls. Many of these laws reinforce the notion that a woman exists as property of a man.

For instance, in Yemen, a married woman cannot leave her house without her husband’s permission, whilst in Cameroon, a husband can prevent this wife from taking a job if he does not approve of it. Denying a woman equality and equity before the law or agency over her own decisions is uncalled-for. For such a country institutionalize is nothing but Gender Inequality.

  Also taking a look into what culture has caused in rating male child over female. Child marriage runs up a total of 15 million early marriages every year . Whilst parents choose to send their sons to the classroom, their daughters are sent down the PROVERBIAL AISLE, in the hope it will secure her future and reduce the financial strain on their lives. A case study of this is Malawi, where there is cultural barriers surrounding mensuration that keep girls out of schools, hence sending them to early marriages.

Thanks to Annie Natasha Tonthola (Mama Africa Foundation Trust - Director-general), who shared her project for me to share in her dream of "Keeping Young Girls in Schools with SANITARY PADS". Our aim is to get to all African Countries, support Annie Natasha Tonthola, vote for Mama Africa Foundation Trust project.

  Moving further, according to population report, approximately 781 millions are illiterate adults worldwide. From research by Damilauryn Youth Foundation Care; Millions of youths suffer from poor education in Nigeria, 85% drop out of school to settle for low dreams and 70% are young girls. If there is promotion of Gender Equality and Equity, there will be a better world than exist today. Giving room for World of Female will promote civilization and development to the world.

Brethren, join hands fighting for Gender Equality and Equity of human rights. To our females, never see yourself inferior to other gender. Stand up for your right, for you can do it as well, if not better than. For youths to be totally liberated, consideration of gender equality and equity should be one of the priorities in fighting for freedom.

"There is no greater thing than standing as a Winner in the battle for FREEDOM; coz the greatest Victory in life is to fall from this world a FREEMAN".
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Written By:
Damilare Daniel OYEJIDE
Co-Ordinator,
Damilauryn Youth Foundation Care.
 +2347069378900
drdamidrey@gmail.com