End Gender Injustice in Nigeria: Hold the Nigerian Senate Accountable for Systematic Gender Discrimination and Unethical Practices

 

Introduction:

 

We, the undersigned, demand urgent action from the African Union (AU) and UN Women to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable for systematic gender discrimination, unethical practices, and failure to enact laws that protect women and girls. Nigeria, as a signatory to multiple international human rights treaties, continues to violate gender justice principles through legislative inaction and direct complicity in discrimination.

 

The Nigerian Senate has repeatedly rejected bills that promote women’s rights and gender equality. It has failed to uphold accountability for gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation, and economic exclusion of women, despite overwhelming evidence of these injustices.

 

We urge the African Union and UN Women to take immediate action against the Nigerian Senate by condemning its unethical practices and demanding urgent reforms.

 

 

The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking out against sexual harassment and discrimination further exposes the Senate’s culture of silencing women who challenge its unethical practices. We urge the African Union and UN Women to take immediate action against the Nigerian Senate by condemning its unethical practices and demanding urgent reforms.

 

The Problem: Systematic Gender Injustice in Nigeria

 

Nigeria remains one of the most challenging countries for gender equality in Africa, with the Senate playing a key role in institutionalizing gender injustice. Key issues include:

 

1. Rejection of Gender Equality Bills

• In March 2022, the Nigerian Senate rejected five gender bills, including:

• Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill – aimed at eliminating discrimination against women.

• Bill on Citizenship Rights for Women – denied women the right to confer citizenship on foreign-born spouses (men are allowed).

• Bill on 35% Affirmative Action for Women in Political Parties – denied women equal representation in politics.

• Indigenous Women’s Rights Bill – denied women the right to inherit ancestral property.

• Bill on Ministerial and Commissioner Seats for Women – denied women mandatory inclusion in governance.

 

2. Lack of Protection Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

• Nigeria has one of the highest rape and domestic violence rates in Africa, yet the Senate has failed to strengthen protections.

• The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) is not fully implemented, and convictions for rape and sexual violence remain extremely low.

 

3. Economic Disempowerment of Women

• Only 43% of Nigerian women have financial independence due to systemic barriers.

• Women in rural communities face land ownership restrictions, yet the Senate has not reformed discriminatory property laws.

• Women-owned businesses receive less than 10% of financial grants and funding opportunities.

 

4. Senate’s Ethical Failures & Corruption in Gender-Related Policies

• Allegations of bribery and vote manipulation have surrounded attempts to pass pro-women legislation.

• Some senators have been accused of sexual misconduct, yet remain in office without accountability.

 

 

 

 

Our Demands to the African Union and UN Women

 

We call on the African Union (AU) and UN Women to take urgent action by:

1. Issuing a formal condemnation of the Nigerian Senate for failing to uphold gender justice and violating regional commitments under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Maputo Protocol.

2. Urging the Nigerian government to reintroduce and pass the rejected gender equality bills and enforce stronger gender-based violence laws.

3. Investigating corruption, unethical practices, and sexual misconduct within the Senate, holding responsible lawmakers accountable.

4. Recommending targeted sanctions (travel bans, diplomatic consequences) for Senate members who continue to obstruct gender progress.

5. Encouraging international bodies and donors to apply financial conditions that require Nigeria to implement gender reforms.