Anthonia Soyingbe / Snr Reporter, Lagos
It was an atmosphere devoid of banging of tables and shouting matches which are characteristics of unionism in many climes, as Women Commission of Trade Union Congress ( TUC ) recently organised a one-day seminar for its members in Lagos where very salient issues affecting women in activism were discussed.
Cross section of participants
For sure, Nigerian Women’s involvement in activism is not a recent development as history has lent credence to the fact that as far back as primordial times, Nigerian women have been actively involved in social and political mobilisations.
There was Queen Moremi of Ile-Ife and Queen Amina of Zaria both of whom were recorded as activists per excellence in their lifetime.
Amina (1610) was a Hausa Muslim Warrior Queen of Zazzau (now Zaria); in what is now North Central Nigeria. She was regarded as the subject of many legends, widely believed by historians to have been a real ruler who was so powerful that she forced Katsina, Kano and other regions to pay tribute to her.
Moremi on the other hand was described as a very brave and beautiful woman who, in order to deal with the problem facing her people, offered anything she had to give in sacrifice to the Spirit of the river so that she could discover the strength of her nation’s enemies.
There was later, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti MON, from Abeokuta who history recorded was a teacher, political campaigner, women’s rights activist and traditional aristocrat.
Ransome-Kuti’s political activism led to her being described as the doyen of female rights in Nigeria, as well as to her being regarded as “The Mother of Africa.” She was known to be a very powerful force advocating for the Nigerian woman’s right to vote.
Margaret Ekpo (1914-2006) was equally another Nigerian women’s rights activist and social mobilizer who was a pioneering female politician in the country’s First Republic and a leading member of a class of traditional Nigerian women activists, many of whom rallied women beyond notions of ethnic solidarity.
However, from the very beginning of women’s involvement in labour activism, connection with women’s groups influences the organisational objectives of the Trade Unions they belong and how organisations within the unions are carried out.
Women have been known to over the years exhibit so much of their persuasion instincts, networking abilities, provision instincts and protective instincts to their advantage at negotiation tables.
Hence, delivering her opening address, Chairperson, Women Commission of TUC, Oyinkan Olasanoye encouraged today’s women to continue to empower themselves through various training opportunities saying, men will only empower them when they need their support to get into position of authority.
Speaking on the disadvantage of being backbenchers in activism, Olasanoye stated that only intelligent leaders should get into power and if peradventure unintelligent leaders get into position of authority, women should not hesitate to think for such unintelligent leaders.
“It is time every woman uses every opportunity available to her to the advantage of other women; let us strive to occupy key salient positions. It is important we grow beyond our income and empower ourselves by acquiring knowledge.
“The strength of women activists is not in their ability in banging of tables but in dialoguing at negotiation table. Women are better negotiators so let us use this to our advantage. Let us exhibit our strengths at the negation table and at home. It is important we don’t throw away valuables for invaluable,” she highlighted.
Dwelling on re-occurring issue of sexual harassments in male dominated environment, Olasanoye who proudly told the audience that she has crossed that hurdle maintained that sexual harassment will keep recurring only if permitted.
Urging members to speak out against all forms of sexual harassment, Olasanoye noted, “sexual harassment is not peculiar to activism and it will keep recurring if only you don’t speak out or you condone it. Don’t forget that you can’t be a leader as a woman if you don’t want to be intimidated and embarrassed.
“As women, we have all it takes to overcome all forms of harassments. Don’t run away because they are running after you, your attitude to sexual advances will determine what you get. You need to be ruthless in dealing with men especially when it involves sexual harassment. Don’t be a desperado; don’t struggle for power or positions but earn it through diligence and hard work. Men won’t give you roles you don’t deserve. Let us represent ourselves well and be good role models”, Olasanoye advised.
In highlighting some of the advantages of having women at the helm of affairs in activism, Olasanoye who equally doubles as Vice President of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSSBIFI), described women as, “more cooperative, interdependent and concerned about the welfare of the entire group”.
She further observed, “It would not be out of place if women are allowed to participate in Trade Union movement in order to motivate men and complement their contributions towards overall benefit and welfare of the working group. Furthermore, women participation will assist in curtailing the men’s aggressiveness which could at times run off-hand and destroy rather than build and create room for a responsible union.”
She observed that many destructive actions and decisions have been carried out by male unionist but for the timely intervention and advice of their less aggressive female counterparts.
Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi , keynote speaker at the occasion emphasised the importance of women active participation in nation building because of their position in the family as a distinct builder and moulder of generations.
She nevertheless pointed out, “Despite the visible obstacles to women’s involvement in leadership and decision making in the private and public spheres, they have continued to strive for relevance by constantly mobilising for support of government policies and programmes for national development”.
In a chat with our Corrpondent shortly after the seminar, Eunice Ajayi who also participated in the seminar said, since women appears to be more concerned with the welfare of others, and Trade Unions are geared towards bringing improvement in the welfare of the working class, women appear to be very necessary ingredients towards maximizing the realization of the welfare objectives of Trade Union.
Activists are principally people who see the need for change and devote their time to doing something about it. They are driven by passion and a vision for a better future. Activism comes naturally to some, while for others; it is thrust upon them when they experience situations that hurt them or those they love.
The main objective of every Trade Union is to protect interest of its members since women have better welfare instincts; they will help make the world a better place. Discouraging women from participating in Trade Union movement is automatically depriving working class care good welfare package.
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