In many parts of Nigeria, women are still considered subordinate to their male counterparts. This belief has given rise to patriarchal customs and beliefs which in turn has influenced the cultural belief and way of living. The disparity and rate of discrimination across genders within the context of opportunities, equal rights and responsibilities remain high. Within the Nigerian context females are at the receiving end of most discriminatory practices. In the 21st century, and in a post covid-19 society where women have been at the forefront of tackling the pandemic across various fields of practices, such discriminatory practices are unacceptable. Gender inequality directly violates the fundamental human rights of the Nigerian woman as they are less recognized compared to their male counterparts. Creating awareness around gender inequality and addressing the issues associated with it, is one of the objectives of SiMMSI’s agenda. Contributing to a Nigerian society where opportunities are distributed equally, will contribute to the nation’s interest and help define the country’s goals of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Gender equality prevents violence against women and girls. Gender equality awareness prevents early child marriages and will help curb the advancement of child brides. Gender equality is essential for economic prosperity because societies that recognize and promote women and men as equal have healthier work spaces, have safer laws and policies and ultimately better and higher productivity.
The SiMMSI approach to tackling gender equality is 3 pronged. We are engaged in girl child advocacy, domestic violence advocay and empowerment of single mothers who have been victims of gender based violence. In our work with communities, we have also encountered a steady rise in cases of single motherhood as a result of women fleeing domestic violence in their marriages. These women are often victims of early child marriages, from disadvantaged families or communities where access to proper educational or vocational skills are out of reach due to poverty cycles or non existent.