Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, a renowned microbiologist with expertise in gender equality and social inclusion, has made significant contributions in her field. She holds a PhD in TB/HIV co-infection and tuberculosis bacteriology. She has been Nigeria’s Country Director for the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) and Gender and HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator for UNIFEM.
Also a Christian cleric, she co-founded the Priests, Peace, and Justice Initiative, which spearheads the MacArthur Foundation-funded SHUN Corruption Project. Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor has also played a vital role in coaching and mentoring women through her GESI and M&E Community of Practice, empowering them to excel in their careers.
In her interview with JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, she spoke passionately about women inclusion in politics, insisting that governments need to do much more.
How will you assess the state of women in Nigeria in 2023?
Nigerian women face challenges in terms of participation and representation. Throughout history, women were excluded from voting, with the Constitution reinforcing this exclusion. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1970s that the women in Southern and Northern Nigeria, respectively, gained the right to vote. This foundation of exclusion still impacts women’s representation today.
In the Ninth Assembly, there were only 13 women out of 360 members in the House of Representatives. While there has been a slight increase to 17 women in the 10th assembly, the Senate has seen a decline from seven to three women. Additionally, women are underrepresented in key positions, with zero women among the appointed principal officers in the Senate and only one in the House of Representatives. This lack of progress is disappointing, and it was evident even before the 2023 election, as only about 10 per cent of candidates were women. Nigeria, as a leading African nation, sets a poor example compared to its smaller neighbours, who are making more significant strides in gender equality.
So how can the situation be remedied?
To address the situation, it is crucial to revisit the five gender equality bills that Nigerian women submitted to the constitutional review committee, which were unfortunately rejected. The bills would provide opportunities for women’s inclusion and representation, as other countries have done using voluntary or legal quotas. We must be strategic in our approach and engage influential stakeholders to advocate for the passage of these bills and other initiatives for women’s inclusion.
There is a need to challenge cultural and religious misinterpretations that perpetuate inequality and to combat the mindset that only women should champion gender equality. It is important to emphasise that gender equality benefits everyone, and it is not just the responsibility of women to push for it. Influential voices, such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, should take up the cause and demand gender equality. Understanding that gender equality is good for the economy is also crucial, as it enhances overall wellbeing and prosperity.
Men still hold positions of authority in our country, so it is effective to convince these men in power to champion gender equality and use their influence to drive change. Exploring the intersections between culture, religion, and gender equality is essential, as people often view inequality as divinely ordained. Engaging religious leaders and ensuring correct interpretations of religious texts can help shift perceptions and promote equality.
Gender equality is not about women oppressing men, but rather creating an environment where everyone can fulfil their potential. It is vital to break the notion that gender equality is solely a women’s issue and to involve all segments of society in the movement for change.
Do you think a First Lady that is a former senator can influence the 10th National Assembly to pass the gender bills? And do you think her husband can keep to all his promises made to women?
We are still waiting to see the impact of the appointments made so far. It is too soon to be encouraged, as the wife of the president may not appear to have much influence on her husband’s appointments. However, there is still hope that Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who holds hidden power, may be able to influence her husband’s decisions. It is important to note that during his campaigns, he promised 40 per cent affirmative action for women, and we are waiting to see if this promise will be fulfilled. We should continue to advocate accountability and not remain silent if these promises are not kept. If necessary, legal action should be considered, as a promise is a debt.
There has been a spike in gender violence and sexual harassment, according to available data. What new strategies would you suggest for gender activists to tackle this menace?
There are two main reasons for the increased reporting of gender-based violence. First, there has been a rise in awareness and education, allowing people to feel more comfortable coming forward and sharing their experiences. Previously, the stigmatization and victim-blaming surrounding such cases had discouraged many victims from speaking out. However, with increased enlightenment and the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, individuals now feel more empowered to report incidents of violence.
The second reason for the spike in gender-based violence is the prevailing insecurity in the country. Various forms of violence, such as the abduction of girls from schools to become sex slaves for terrorists, kidnappings, and activities of bandits, all contribute to the escalation of gender-based violence.
To address this issue, there needs to be a focused effort to raise awareness about human rights, as well as impart assertiveness in girls from a young age. It is crucial for girls to be taken seriously when they say no, and boys must be taught to respect the rights of girls. Cultural norms and interpretations of religion often perpetuate and tolerate domestic violence. Some cultures discourage women from leaving abusive marriages, and religious beliefs can sometimes downplay the severity of violence within a marriage.
Empowering women financially is also vital, as it provides them with the means to make independent decisions, including leaving abusive relationships. Lack of financial power can often make it difficult for a woman to leave, especially if her family does not support or provide a safe haven for her. Community perceptions also play a role, as societal expectations can pressure individuals to stay in abusive marriages.
Efforts should be directed towards empowering both women and men, as everyone needs to understand and respect the importance of bodily integrity and consent. However, it can be challenging to gauge the effectiveness of existing training programmes. To address this, it may be necessary to target key influencers, such as custodians of culture and religious leaders. Educating these leaders and providing them with scriptural references that discourage gender-based violence can have a significant impact on their followers.
Additionally, legal professionals need to play an active role in enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act. However, some families may be hesitant to pursue legal action due to the fear of stigma and the negative impact it may have on their children. Overcoming such challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, which includes continuous training, sensitisation, and efforts to create a society where victims feel safe and supported when coming forward.
Although there are many obstacles to overcome, consistent efforts in raising awareness, targeting influential figures, and strengthening the legal framework can lead to a reduction in gender-based violence.
You recently launched two novels, Trophy Husband and Omotejomo. What inspired the themes?
I have been writing for a long time, and my literary journey began in the year 2000 with the publication of my first work, Deadly Paradise. This book focused on the topic of HIV/AIDS, exploring the behaviours that contribute to the spread of the virus. Even before that, I had been jotting down various stories and documenting my parents’ beautiful love story in notebooks. Sometimes I would misplace these notebooks, but writing stories has always been a passion of mine.
As a trainer, I often utilize case studies to reinforce theories and make them more applicable in real-life situations. Some of these case studies are stories that I’ve written myself, adding a human touch and relatability to the training sessions.
More recently, I have started paying attention to my skills as a novelist. When I founded Gals Global Hangouts, the purpose was for women to share their stories or stories of people around them, creating a unique and engaging form of training. Writing these stories on the Hangout, I didn’t initially intend for them to be full-fledged books. I would post one chapter as an episode, but the overwhelming response from readers calling for the next episode motivated me to continue the stories.
With my experience in the development sector and my commitment to women’s rights, I began tackling important issues through my storytelling. For example, if I want to address the right of girls to education, I would weave an intriguing narrative around it, rather than simply stating its importance. It could be a story of a girl who faces obstacles in pursuing her education or has to make difficult choices to overcome challenges. Through these stories, young girls, parents, and society as a whole can learn important lessons.
One of my books, The Travails of Omotejomo, follows the journey of a girl who aspires to become a medical doctor but faces opposition from her father, who wants to marry her off. The story touches on issues like male preference and the undervaluing of girls compared to their male siblings. Omotejomo navigates these challenges and eventually fulfils her dream of becoming a doctor but not without facing additional struggles along the way. However, I wanted to ensure that the story highlights possibilities and showcases that becoming pregnant does not mean the end of educational pursuits.
Personally, I have a personal connection to this theme, as my mother had me while she was still in school. My grandmother took care of me and sent my mother back to school. This upbringing shaped my belief in showing possibilities through my stories. Life brings mistakes and challenges, but it is essential to find a way out and not let those mistakes hinder personal growth. Additionally, my books emphasise the importance of community support, that we can support each other through thick and thin, helping each individual reach their full potential.
On the other hand, Trophy Husband delves into relationship issues that are often overlooked. These are the topics that mothers, fathers, and even pastors may shy away from discussing openly, but they exist in reality. For instance, I explore how some church-going girls can be naive and easily fall victim to various challenges, such as unintended pregnancies or gender-based violence. In Trophy Husband, the protagonist experiences heartbreak when her fiancé cheats on her with her best friend. Instead of taking time to heal, she quickly jumps into another relationship, hoping that leaving the country will bring a fresh start. However, life in a new place presents its own set of challenges, and she must navigate traumas before finding redemption.
My books also incorporate an ecclesiastical flair, highlighting forgiveness, faith, and how it can elevate individuals regardless of their past. They are not just entertaining but carry messages of personal growth, development, and destiny fulfilment. Writing these novels brings me immense joy amidst my other roles, such as being a consultant, handling monitoring and evaluation, and conducting gender equality training. It feels like a calling, and I am thrilled to be fulfilling it.
We are in a situation right now where the impact of fuel subsidy removal is biting hard. As an activist, what will be your advice to the government at this time?
Well, it’s hard for me to provide a direct solution because I’m still studying why the government is making these decisions. I can’t understand why the President would want to punish Nigerians. I believe they must have good intentions, but the way they’re handling and implementing it is causing a lot of suffering for the people. The proposed palliative measures are seen by many as just another opportunity for corruption and not a genuine attempt to help. And when you consider the magnitude of the problem, the amount proposed seems inadequate.
For example, my daughter recently filled up my car with fuel costing N63,000, before the recent increase to N617. She asked if it will last her two weeks, because if she has to fill up again, it will probably cost almost N80,000. It just doesn’t make sense.
While I understand that achieving something good doesn’t come easy, the current situation is becoming too much. Many people are at risk of falling into poverty because of how things are being handled. We need to re-evaluate and find a way to make these changes less painful for the people. Even though I can afford N63,000, many others can’t. For some, that amount is more than their monthly salary. So we need to reconsider and implement change in a less drastic manner.
You have multiple roles – wife, mother, pastor, gender activist, novelist etc. How do you find time to multitask?
As humans, we all have various responsibilities in different aspects of our lives. Whether it’s being a mother, a wife, an aunt, or a pastor, we have responsibilities in different circles. While multitasking is often celebrated, I personally approach it strategically. There are two categories of activities that every person engages in: strategic and tactical.
Strategic issues include matters like your salvation, career growth, academics if you’re a student, and family life if you’re married. These are important and require careful consideration. On the other hand, there are tactical issues or everyday tasks like choosing what to wear or tidying the house. These routine tasks seem endless, as we don’t stop needing to clean the kitchen, for example.
What I’ve learned to do is to differentiate between strategic and tactical issues. For the tactical tasks that I can delegate, I delegate them. For instance, I have housekeepers who assist me, but when they’re not around or when my children are not present, I still do some of those tasks. However, I prioritise my activities. I won’t choose washing dishes over reading my Bible, for instance. I used to do that before I realised that the dishes can wait. So if my kitchen is untidy on a Sunday morning and I need to go to church early, I won’t delay going to church just because I want to clean the kitchen. I’ll attend to the kitchen when I return.
For me, I know my most productive hours are early in the morning. I wake up around 3 am, and that’s when my mind is sharpest. I utilise that time for writing reports or working on creative projects like my novels for Gals Hangouts. If I postpone these tasks and get occupied with other things, I lose focus. It’s crucial to understand your own productivity and safeguard those productive hours.
So I prioritise strategic issues and invest my best energy when my mind is at its peak. If I start my day with kitchen chores, it becomes challenging to switch gears to work on strategic matters. However, if I tackle the strategic tasks first, I can then take breaks and address everyday issues, knowing that I’ve already set the tone. It’s about finding a balance and juggling your time effectively.
I don’t celebrate the kind of multitasking where you’re simultaneously working on two separate tasks. I prefer to focus on one report at a time and complete it before moving on to the next. But that doesn’t mean I neglect cooking or other tactical tasks entirely. It’s about understanding yourself and when you’re most productive.
When it’s time for family, I value uninterrupted quality time. And when it’s time for fun, I want to fully enjoy it without distractions. Sometimes it can be challenging, especially as a consultant with client deadlines. I may have a desire to have fun but choose to prioritise the client’s report first. This allows me to enjoy the fun activity with complete concentration once I’ve finished my work.
How do you relax in the midst of these several engagements?
To be honest, I am someone who loves watching TV. Even when I’m writing a report, I need the TV to be on. It may just be background noise, and I may not actively pay attention to it, but having the sound on keeps me company. Interestingly, my daughter has picked up this habit too. I see her working with the TV on, and when I ask her what they’re talking about, she admits she’s not really listening. Do you understand?
I’m not sure if it’s because I’m now writing stories, but I find myself drawn to reality TV. I enjoy seeing how life unfolds with different types of people. Sometimes, these shows even inspire my imagination, and I start fantasising about potential storylines for my novels. So, yes, I spend a significant amount of time watching TV.