International Women’s Day: CCIDESOR demands end to patriarchal structures holding women back

Stanley Ihedigbo

As the world marks International Women’s Day,  Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), has issued a strong call to action, demanded an end to the patriarchal structures that have held women back for centuries.

According to a statement released to commemorate the day by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Emeka Ononamadu, CCIDESOR emphasized that Nigerian women can no longer be marginalized, excluded, and oppressed and urged the government and society to take immediate action to address the deep-seated inequalities facing women.

The organization highlighted the various ways in which patriarchal structures have hindered women’s progress, from discriminatory laws and policies to cultural and religious practices that perpetuate female subjugation.

CCIDESOR also noted that women’s exclusion from decision-making processes has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

CCIDESOR’s call to action comes as women around the world celebrate their achievements and strive for a more equitable future.

The organization’s demands include the implementation of policies and laws that promote gender equality, the elimination of discriminatory cultural and religious practices, and the empowerment of women to take their rightful place in society.

They noted that Nigerian women continued to bear the brunt of an unjust political and economic system that marginalizes them, turning many into beggars rather than dignified citizens with equal rights and opportunities.

“This reality is a direct consequence of deeply ingrained patriarchal structures that cut across various cultures and religions in Nigeria, relegating women to the background in matters of governance, economy, and societal leadership. Despite these barriers, countless women have defied the odds, breaking barriers and thriving in hostile environments. To them, we say congratulations and kudos for their resilience and courage.

“International Women’s Day is set aside to draw global attention to the pressing challenges women face—challenges that affect our mothers, wives, and daughters as they strive to live dignified lives. Women are not deformed, deluded, or second-class citizens. They should not be treated as beggars or afterthoughts in economic and political decision-making processes.

“Women deserve to be active participants in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods rather than being handed occasional palliatives and relief materials. The continued political and economic exclusion of women is a major factor behind Nigeria’s inability to overcome its developmental challenges and crises. Many harmful cultural and religious practices that infringe upon the rights of women persist because they serve the interests of those in power who seek to maintain the status quo of female subjugation. Until justice and fairness for women become a reality, Nigeria will continue to struggle with backwardness and socio-economic hardship. A society that excludes one gender cannot claim progress,” he emphasized.

The group further emphasized that women should be treated as full-fledged citizens with rights and opportunities equal to their male counterparts.

“Necessary legal and political measures must be taken to ensure gender parity in leadership, employment, and access to resources. The continued humiliation of women, especially in legislative and governance institutions, must stop if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable development. There should be a systematic review of all cultural, religious, and governance laws across Nigeria that infringe on women’s rights, to amendabolishhing them.

“As the National Assembly embarks on constitutional amendments, focused efforts should be directed at removing discriminatory sections that prevent the full realization of women’s rights, particularly those related to culture and religion”, he explained.

CCIDESOR urged all women and men of goodwill to rise above primordial sentiments and actively support the elimination of barriers that hinder women’s full political and economic participation.

“The little success in realizing women’s rights has not been enough to create the positive change we expect in Nigeria. The ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria has disproportionately affected women, yet the federal, state, and local governments continue to pay lip service to the promotion and protection of their rights.
Human rights are God-given, and women should not have to struggle for what is inherently theirs. It is time for every segment of society to acknowledge that when women thrive, the entire nation prospers. Women’s rights are human rights, and it is the duty of all to ensure they are upheld. The time for lip serves has expired,” they stated.