Womanifesto, a coalition of over 300 women’s rights groups, activists, and advocates, has condemned in strong terms the Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s condescending remarks towards female senators, specifically targeting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during the plenary session on Thursday, 18th July 2024.
A press statement made available on Saturday by the organization expressed deep disappointment over Akpabio’s disrespectful language and demeanor, highlighting that such behavior perpetuates a patriarchal and gender-biased atmosphere within the Senate.
During the session, Akpabio’s derogatory comment, “we are not in a night club,” aimed at silencing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, was criticized by Womanifesto for implying that women should only speak in nightclubs, thereby undermining their capability for leadership.
Womanifesto pointed out that people from all walks of life visit nightclubs, and this does not diminish their leadership abilities.Womanifesto demands an immediate and unequivocal apology from Senate President Akpabio, stating that his remarks reflect a deeply rooted misogynistic attitude that has no place in society or government institutions.
The coalition emphasized the need for leaders to exhibit the highest standards of conduct and respect towards all individuals, regardless of gender.This incident is seen as part of a broader trend of gender discrimination and verbal harassment in Nigeria’s political institutions, which should be spaces of respect, equality, and professionalism.
Womanifesto recalled a similar incident where Akpabio addressed Senator Ireti Kingibe in a condescending manner during a dispute involving Minister of the FCT Mr. Nyesom Wike.The coalition stressed that such demeaning language undermines the significant contributions of women in governance and public service.
They declared that Akpabio’s affront against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is an affront to all women in Nigeria, particularly to young girls striving for equality and gender parity. Womanifesto asserted that women should not be silenced or reduced in spaces where they belong and deserve to thrive by merit.
Womanifesto calls on Senator Akpabio to use his influential position to positively impact society, particularly for the women and girls who make up about 50% of Nigeria’s population. The coalition urged the Senate President to retract his words and apologize, emphasizing that grand speeches on International Women’s Day or The Day of the Girl Child are not sufficient without actions that promote gender equality.
The press statement was signed by several organizations, including 9jafeminista, Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, Above Whispers Foundation, Action Aid Nigeria, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Amnesty International Nigeria, among others.
