Africa, Nigeria: Women’s rights invariably translate to human rights
Today, women constitute about 50 per cent of the world’s population. This implies that women’s rights invariably translate to human rights. And with the attainment of human rights there is contentment, which in turn enhances international peace and harmony. Where there is denial, marginalization, segregation, and neglect on account of gender then women’s rights are infringed upon. This brings about dissatisfaction and disaffection, resulting in the inability of womenfolk to perform and contribute their quota to the attainment of goals laid down by the United Nations for achieving international peace.
Women have to put up with a lot of practices and abuses which are tantamount to denial of their rights. This constitutes a stumbling block towards attaining global peace. In today’s world, especially in many parts of Africa, women are still denied the right to education. Education of women is education of the whole nation. Denying women the right to education is not only a denial of women’s rights, but a withholding of the contributions that an educated woman could make to the global community and help it to attain the goals laid down by the United Nations. Women cannot realize their full potential, and so the peace which could have come about globally if women had been given a chance to get an education and apply their knowledge is not achieved.
Secondly, some African countries still discriminate against women when it comes to national politics and leadership. This prevents the contribution of women to national development, and to national and global peace.
Thirdly, in many parts of Africa, women do not have the right to choose their husbands but are forced into early marriages. This destroys the future of these girls, making it impossible for them to make any meaningful contribution to society. It follows, therefore, that hastening the restoration of women’s rights in terms of education, healthcare, participation in politics and leadership, as well as freedom from sexual harassment will not only hasten the attainment of laid down goals, but will also promote international peace and harmony.
More:
- 50 + 50: Thoughts on International Women’s Day
- North America, Canada: Still struggling to close the gender gap
- Africa, Nigeria: Women's rights invariably translate to human rights
- Asia, Philippines: We have to see ourselves as a team and not as opponents
- Europe, Germany: A woman should be free to choose what she wants
Article info
Date:
07.03.2016
