Nigeria’ll produce female president in near future

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, DePauw University, USA, Jennifer Heaven Mike has said that a female President is possible in Nigeria’s Democratic system of government in near future.

Jennifer Mike who is also an Assistant Professor of Law at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola told Daily Sun in an interview that with her kind of advocacy on human rights, social justice, women’s rights, and education, it will not be difficult for the people of Nigeria to vote a woman into power as their President.

A legal practitioner and educator, the Professor of Sexuality Studies said she is currently engaged in projects aimed at preventing and managing gender-based violence in emergency context in the UK, USA and Nigeria.

You have a very impressive academic qualification. How did you achieve this amidst personal challenges like family pressure and, perhaps, financial constraints? Or were you born with the proverbial silver spoon?

Thank you for your kind words. My achievements were not due to being born with a silver spoon. Like many people, I faced my own set of challenges, whether personal, financial, or societal. My family did not come from wealth, but they valued education deeply. My father passed away when I was young, and my mother played a central role in shaping who I am today. My mother always emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. There were certainly times when financial constraints made things difficult, but I found ways to navigate them—whether through scholarships, working part-time, or seeking mentorship. The support I received from family and mentors kept me going, and I always focused on the long-term vision. There were moments of doubt, but I pushed through because I believed in the transformative power of education.

As a human rights advocate, what is your focus?

I am deeply interested in using my skills and experience to create systemic change, especially when it comes to the protection of vulnerable groups. As a lawyer, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous cases that deal with issues like Gender Based Violence (GBV), child protection, and access to justice. I also collaborate with various NGOs and advocacy groups to help push for stronger legal protections for women and marginalized communities in Nigeria. One of the issues that weigh heavily on my heart is the alarming prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in Nigeria. The statistics are chilling, and far too many women and children suffer in silence. The legal framework exists, but enforcement is often weak, and societal attitudes toward women can exacerbate the problem. Through my work, I try to ensure that the law is not just a tool for punishing offenders but also a mechanism for preventing violence and offering survivors the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

How worried are you about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria?

I am deeply concerned about GBV in Nigeria. It’s a pervasive issue that cuts across all levels of society, affecting women, children, and even men in some cases. The culture of silence around GBV is particularly disturbing; victims often face stigma, and perpetrators are rarely held accountable. The lack of robust enforcement of laws, inadequate support for survivors, and a general lack of public awareness contribute to the persistence of this problem. Its deep connection to traditional and cultural norms adds a gloomy tapestry to the narrative. These norms are often woven together with the threads of patriarchy, societal acceptance and gender expectations to create a formidable force of resistance to change. One significant area that has not received sufficient focus and attention is the issue of gender-based violence directed towards men and boys. Despite common perceptions that this form of violence predominantly affects women, men and boys also face various forms of abuse and violence that are often overlooked. This includes physical assault, sexual violence, and emotional abuse, which can have severe psychological and social implications for the victims. Raising awareness, providing support services, and conducting research in this area are other holistic and crucial steps toward addressing and preventing gender-based violence in Nigeria, fostering a more inclusive understanding of this issue within society.

What is your contribution towards reducing or bringing to an end the issue of GBV in Nigeria?

I have contributed to the fight against GBV in various ways. As a lawyer, I have provided pro bono legal services to survivors of GBV, helping them navigate the legal system and secure justice. I have also been involved in advocacy and awareness campaigns to change public perceptions and encourage more people to speak out. Additionally, I collaborate with organizations that provide support and rehabilitation services for survivors, ensuring they are not only protected legally but also supported emotionally and mentally. My advocacy work includes pushing for policy reforms to strengthen laws protecting women and ensuring more stringent punishment for offenders.

It appears that women folks are mostly the victims of GBV in Nigeria. Why is it so?

There are several cultural, social, and historical factors at play here. Patriarchy is deeply ingrained in Nigerian society, where traditional gender roles often place women at a disadvantage. Women are frequently viewed as subordinate to men, which can lead to power imbalances that foster abuse. The normalization of violence against females in some communities, the lack of education on gender equality, and insufficient legal protections/persecution further exacerbate this issue. The tendency to overlook or downplay incidents of GBV also contributes to the continued victimization of women.

Comparing GBV cases in Nigeria to those in the USA, which is more disturbing?

Both Nigeria and the USA face serious issues with GBV, but the challenges differ in terms of cultural context and institutional response. In the USA, there is more visibility and advocacy surrounding GBV, but the issue persists across all communities. The legal framework may be stronger, but systemic issues like racial disparities and underreporting still make it a pressing concern. In Nigeria, while the problem is equally pervasive, there is often less institutional support for victims, and a lack of awareness and education often compounds the issue. In both countries, though the harm caused by GBV is deeply disturbing, and both need systemic reform to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

What do you think should be the appropriate punitive measures against GBV offenders?

The punishment for GBV offenders must be severe enough to deter potential perpetrators and provide justice for the victims. It should include both criminal and rehabilitative elements. For criminal penalties, I support longer prison sentences for serious offenders. However, beyond punitive measures, we must also prioritize rehabilitation programmes for offenders, because many perpetrators act out of entrenched social and psychological issues. The goal should not only be punishment but also preventing future violence and reforming societal attitudes towards gender equality. Another key area that should be addressed is the role of men in both the fight against GBV and in advancing gender equality in politics. Men must be seen as allies in this struggle. We need to engage men more in conversations about gender equality, as well as involve them in initiatives aimed at ending GBV and supporting women in leadership. Gender equality cannot be achieved without the full participation of both women and men.

Let’s talk politics. Many women of your academic and intellectual capacity are shying away from participating in politics to attain elective positions. Why?

The political environment in many countries, including Nigeria, has been historically dominated by men. The political arena is tough, with corruption, sexism, and a general lack of support for women. Many highly qualified women face the double burden of needing to prove their capabilities while dealing with societal expectations about their roles as mothers and caregivers. There’s also the issue of funding, as politics often requires substantial financial resources, and women may not always have the same access to these networks as men. Women in politics are also often subject to higher scrutiny, making it an unappealing space for many.

Don’t you think it is high time Nigerian women picked interest in elective positions?

Absolutely. Nigerian women have the intellectual capacity, leadership skills, and resilience needed to succeed in politics. It is high time that women in Nigeria, across Africa, and the world at large take up more space in the political sphere. This shift requires creating platforms of support, especially for younger women, to challenge the status quo. It is important to push for policies that promote gender equity in politics, as well as mentorship programmes that help women navigate the political landscape. Women bring diverse perspectives and a fresh approach to governance, and we need more of them in leadership positions.

Do you foresee a female gender becoming the President of Nigeria in the near future?

Yes, I see the possibility of a female president in Nigeria in the near future. The political landscape is gradually changing, and women are becoming more vocal and active in demanding their rights. Women are also proving to be great leaders in Nigeria and around the world.

We need to continue pushing for gender equality in politics, as well as ensuring that women have access to the necessary resources and support to succeed in elections. However, this requires a cultural shift—both in how women are viewed in society and how they are treated within the political sphere. A woman as president is not just an aspirational idea; it’s a goal that can become a reality with sustained effort.

What is your vision for the Future?

I envision a future where Nigerian women, and indeed women across the world, no longer have to live in fear of violence or discrimination. I also hope to see more women in leadership roles, not just in politics but in all sectors, because diverse leadership makes for better decision-making. In my own career, I aim to continue my advocacy work, help empower the next generation of women leaders, and create lasting change in both the legal and political spheres. I am a passionate advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and education. I will also continue to advocate for the human rights and protection of the vulnerable, such as children, the elderly, and disabled persons. One of the key areas that I am particularly passionate about is environmental protection and climate change. This global challenge affects every aspect of our environment, economy, and society. I’m deeply interested in finding solutions and promoting sustainable practices that can mitigate its effects, including renewable energy initiatives, conservation efforts, and community engagement in environmental stewardship. Understanding and addressing climate change is not just an interest for me; it is a vital concern for the future of our planet.

Prof, may we know you formally, your background?

By way of background, I am Dr Jennifer Heaven Mike, a Global Studies Scholar, Hampton and Esther Boswell Distinguished University Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, DePauw University, with a focus on human rights law and gender equality. I am also an Assistant Professor of Law at the American University of Nigeria (AUN). Over the past decade, I have worked extensively on the intersection of law, gender, and human rights, with a particular emphasis on empowering marginalized groups such as women, children, and vulnerable communities in conflict zones. I am a passionate advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and education. For most of my career, I have worked at the intersection of law, policy, and gender advocacy, seeking to address issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), inequality, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. My academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to learning and contributing meaningfully to society. I have earned a PhD, an LLM, and a law degree, which have provided me with a solid foundation in legal principles and practices. My professional experience spans several roles, including that of a legal practitioner, educator, and consultant, allowing me to apply my knowledge in diverse settings. I have had the privilege of working on impactful research and consultancy projects in various countries, including Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. My collaborations have encompassed prestigious organizations such as the GIZ/EU and the Atiku Center for Development projects that focus on policies that promote social welfare, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where I engaged in projects aimed at preventing and managing gender-based violence in emergency context. These experiences have not only enriched my understanding of global legal practices but have also equipped me with the skills to address complex legal and societal issues in varying cultural contexts.

We are curious about your middle name; Heaven. Why Heaven?

(Laughter). My parents said I was a gift from Heaven.