Abolishing traditions unfavorable to women

Mary Slessor remains pivotal in Nigeria's history, especially as it relates to the upholding of women's rights and her intervention to stop the killing of twins, which earned her the title of 'savior of twins'. Africa and particularly Nigeria is a rich clime with interesting cultures and traditions passed from one generation to another. The average man is guided by norms and traditions, and even the clergyman gives respect to the traditions.

Thankfully, over the recent years and all over the globe, there has been an appreciable movement for gender equality and inclusiveness in all ramifications of life and living. Women are now being given a voice to be heard and have significant participation in the common affairs of society. Notwithstanding, a few roles have been ascribed to women, which may not necessarily be viable for mutualism.

My recent encounter about three months ago was with a young man in his late twenties who had a girlfriend he supposedly invited over for the purpose of washing his clothes and those of his relatives. As much as the lady may have fallen deeply in love with him and was ready to do anything for him, I had to make him realize he was not justified by inviting her over to wash his clothes, especially those of his relatives. Probably she never complained, but that did not nullify the wrong practice. I was surprised the young man saw nothing wrong in that. I had to quickly correct the notion because, beyond washing his clothes and those of his relatives, his wife would be a tool to satisfy his needs rather than finding a part owner in his partner.

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Society is equally to blame. I have been teased severally to get married so my wife could help out with washing my clothes when I am back from work. Then, I wonder, who ascribed the role of washing clothes to women even when the clothes belonged to the man? Though the woman is described as a helper for the man, nonetheless, the woman should not be treated as a slave; rather, a significant value of appreciation must be placed on her to help both achieve greater results.

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Another crucial role mostly ascribed to women is child upbringing. The society places much emphasis on pouring the responsibility of training up children on the woman. It is a popular saying that a child well trained belongs to the father while the poorly trained child belongs to the mother. Beyond conception and antenatal, the least men can do is be available for child upbringing, as motherhood could be gravely challenging. Child upbringing should be the responsibility of both parents, even when the woman should be most available.

Yet again, genital female mutilation is a barbaric practice that thankfully is going into extinction; however, in some cultures it still exists. This should be labeled a criminal act when a young girl is subjected to such a traumatizing process. Girls and women should be given the opportunity to decide what they would do with their bodies.

Thankfully, the government of Nigeria, through partnerships with nongovernmental organizations, has seen the importance of educating girls. Although there is still less encouragement or emphasis on girl child education because of the notion that women's certificates mostly end in the kitchen arena. Women should be given as much exposure and education as the male gender. Training a lady is tantamount to training a family.

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I hope you have enjoyed a few of my assertions, and I look forward to your comments and contributions.

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