The Maputo protocol scorecard event was held on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies Abuja. The event was graced by officials from both public and private organisations in Nigeria as well as representatives from Kenya and UN Nigeria.
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation founded in 1992 by five female ministers of education to promote girls’ and women’s education in Sub-Saharan Africa in line with ‘Education for All’. The organisation’s members include female ministers of education, university vice-chancellors, education policy-makers, researchers, gender specialists and human rights activists. Their target beneficiaries and constituency are primarily girls and women.
The welcome remarks was issued by Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), a Nigerian scholar and public servant from Kwara State. With extensive experience in the government, he previously served as the Minister for National Planning, Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Commission, and Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Council under President Goodluck Jonathan. He played a key role in managing the transition between Presidents Jonathan and Buhari in 2015. Prof. Sulaiman has represented Nigeria at the United Nations and contributed to global research and conferences. A former University of Abuja professor, he holds a B.Sc. in Political Science, an M.Sc. in International and Strategic Studies, and a Ph.D. in International Relations. As DG of NILDS, he oversees the Institute’s role in building the capacity of Nigeria’s Legislature and democratic institutions domestically and internationally.
In his welcome remarks, he emphasised the urgent need to address the issue of gender discrimination, describing it as a critical challenge that must be confronted immediately. He highlighted the alarming statistic that women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles since 1999 has remained below 7%, a figure that he deemed unacceptable. He emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment as a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and stressed that protecting the rights of women is essential to ensure equal access to opportunities and privileges in society.
Despite ongoing efforts to address gender equality, he noted that progress on implementation has been slow. In this regard, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) remains committed to advocating and supporting gender equality and is actively proposing amendments aimed at promoting gender inclusiveness. He further stated that one of the most effective ways to advance gender equality is by prioritising the education of women and girls, recognising that the future of the world depends on empowering women.
Dr. Jummai Idonije, Senior Special Advisor on Technical Matters to the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development of Nigeria, who represented the Minister during her address, echoed these sentiments. She emphasised that gender issues intersect with all aspects of human endeavour, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs remains dedicated to implementing appropriate policies, monitoring progress, and evaluating initiatives aimed at improving the status of women.
Idonije also called on women-focused organisations to actively engage in the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from November 25 to December 10, 2024. This campaign, she stated, aims to address existing gaps, strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality on a global scale. It is, she affirmed, a call to action to drive forward gender equality across all regions.
Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Honourable Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, called for greater unity among women and an amplified “HeForShe” movement to strengthen advocacy for women and girls across the nation, beginning with Abuja. In her remarks, she referenced the second stanza of the National Women’s Anthem
“Women now are working
To build a better world,
Where the love of peace
Can rest on every shore,
Where men lay down their weapons
And learn to love and share,
And people work
To bring an end to war.”
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi urged men to “lay down their weapons”, a symbolic call to end the ongoing battle for gender equality. She emphasised that the fight for equality should not be a war, but a collective effort to share, learn, and grow together. She encouraged all to work towards a future where gender equity is a reality, urging men to support this cause and play an active role in bringing about lasting change in every facet of society.
Dr Muritala Adogi, Founder of the System Strategy and Policy Lab (SSPL), which specialises in policy design, implementation support, third-party monitoring, capacity building, and project implementation services for government bodies, NGOs, international organisations, and private companies, presented the Maputo Protocol Scorecard. In his presentation, Dr. Adogi highlighted Nigeria’s focus on five key Articles of the Maputo Protocol:
Article 5: Elimination of Harmful Practices
Article 6: Marriage
Article 12: Right to Education and Training
Article 13: Economic and Social Welfare Rights
Article 14: Health and Reproductive Rights
The research methodology for the scorecard was based on focus group discussions with stakeholders and organisations across 11 states, representing different geopolitical zones in Nigeria. These states included Adamawa, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Abuja, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Enugu, and Cross River.
Key findings from the research revealed several challenges, including:
- Cultural and religious barriers to women’s rights
- Inequality in access to education and training for girls
- Limited economic and social opportunities for women
- Weak enforcement of laws regarding the minimum age for marriage
Dr Adogi made several recommendations to address these issues, emphasising the need for:
- Strong political will and leadership commitment to gender equality
- Effective law enforcement and judicial accountability
- Community engagement and ownership of gender equality initiatives
- Multisectoral and collaborative partnerships
- Increased investment in public initiatives for women and girls
- Capacity building for both institutions and individuals
- Monitoring and evaluation through data-driven decision-making
- Improved coordination across sectors and levels of government
- Addressing regional disparities in the implementation of gender policies
Regarding the next steps, the elimination of gender stereotypes in textbooks, provision of counselling and rehabilitation for girls who have suffered abuse, and gender sensitisation and improved awareness initiatives will be prioritised.
