In a statement released on Thursday, signed by 20 women, including Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Aisha Waziri, and Amina Salihu, the group argued that misogynistic comments directed at female leaders hinder robust debate and diverse perspectives essential for effective policy-making.
The women's organisation, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), has condemned the increasing disrespect towards female lawmakers in Nigeria by their male colleagues.
In a statement released on Thursday, signed by 20 women, including Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Aisha Waziri, and Amina Salihu, the group argued that misogynistic comments directed at female leaders hinder robust debate and diverse perspectives essential for effective policy-making.
According to VIEW, such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes, discourage women’s political participation, and perpetuate a male-dominated landscape.
The group stressed that such attitudes are particularly detrimental for regions like Northern Nigeria, where women face even more significant barriers to public office.
The group's statement followed an incident last week where Senate President Godswill Akpabio reprimanded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, saying the Senate chamber was not a nightclub and that she needed to be recognised before speaking during plenary.
Senator Akpabio made the comment while senators were debating on a bill for an Act to establish the National Road Transport Council, sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, representing Kwara South on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio’s comment triggered nationwide outrage and condemnation, especially from various women groups who accused Akpabio of being fond of denigrating women.
Following the outrage, Akpabio tendered a public apology to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a full plenary session on Tuesday.
He also apologised to his colleagues and anyone who felt offended by his comment, which he said was misunderstood and misconstrued.
However, VIEW in its Thursday statement said that Akpabio’s remarks are beyond an isolated insult, stressing that they symbolise the maintenance of gender hierarchies and the silencing of female voices in critical political spaces.
The group said, “In a disheartening display of disrespect and gender bias, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, recently demeaned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by comparing her conduct in the Senate to behavior suited to 'a nightclub'.
“This is not the first instance of such behavior from Senator Akpabio; he recently silenced Senator Ireti Kingibe in a similarly dismissive manner, underscoring a troubling pattern.
“Senator Akpabio’s remarks go beyond an isolated insult; they symbolize the maintenance of gender hierarchies and the silencing of female voices in critical political spaces.”
VIEW further said, “Comparing a female senator's parliamentary conduct to nightclub behavior is both sexist and an explicit attempt to bully and trivialize her contributions, diminishing her standing as a legitimate political actor.
“Such comments from the Senate President undermine the integrity of the Senate and contribute to a culture where women are undervalued and disrespected.
“In a functioning democracy, especially a nascent one like Nigeria’s, every voice must be respected, regardless of gender.
“Dismissing female leaders with misogynistic comments undermines robust debate and diverse perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy making.
“Such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes, discourage women’s political participation, and perpetuate a male-dominated landscape.
“This is particularly detrimental for regions like northern Nigeria, where women face even more significant barriers to public office.
“Indeed, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged successful in a challenging electoral process to become the undisputed representative of her people in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The exclusion or undermining of voices like hers can lead to governance that overlooks the needs and experiences of at least 50% of the population, reducing the overall quality and responsiveness of political decision-making.
“The contribution of the female voice in governance is not just a matter of fairness; it is a democratic imperative. Senator Akpabio’s censure of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must be addressed seriously.
“This is a call to action for the Senate to uphold norms of respect and equity and to hold itself accountable.
“Only then can governance be truly representative and democracy genuinely participatory, fostering a society that values equity, inclusion, and diversity across all dimensions.
“We require immediate redress. We pray that Senate President Akpabio will embody the true spirit of “God’s will” by showing the grace and integrity required to ensure that all senators are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.”