If you check my twitter bio one thing you will see in my profile description is ‘humanist’, it isn’t a mere statement of editorial irrelevance, it’s a statement that I strive to live by day by day. One that requires immense effort considering the patriarchy and machismo littered background I come from.
Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition.
Despite the many pitfalls and kerfuffles I am determined to approach expressing my humanism in every way possible. One such way is my pursuit of equality in all reasonable forms and one which has gained a lot of traction in Nigerian society is feminism. Unfortunately a lot of people (usually traditionalists & conservatives) have been able to tag negative attributes to feminism.
I do my best to change that narrative because it needs to be stressed that the true nature of feminism is the attainment of equality between the genders, there is no desire to eliminate or hate men. It’s actually the opposite, the desire is to create a working society where men and women are seen and treated as equal in all spheres of life. I personally can’t understand why anyone would see a problem with that.
Unfortunately many do. With the excuses and adherence to religious and cultural dogmas many people try to reinforce a most backward approach to a more hierarchical dynamic within the family and working unit. Some even go as far as deeming a woman as only fit for the kitchen and ‘the other room’ like our dearly beloved President once said in front of a female German Chancellor.
Nigerian society is still a long way off in terms of making strides in gender equality but there definitely is an awakening. I on my part can’t claim to be fully reformed, what i can do is to promise to be an ally in spreading the word of gender equality where ever I can lend my voice or my service.
Namaste.
