RETHINKING THE 35% AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BILL: WHAT NIGERIAN WOMEN TRULY NEED IS EQUITY, NOT EQUALITY

RETHINKING THE 35% AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BILL: WHAT NIGERIAN WOMEN TRULY NEED IS EQUITY, NOT EQUALITY

As conversations continue around the 35% Affirmative Action Bill for Nigerian women in governance, it is time for us — as women — to pause, reflect, and redefine what we truly want.

When we demand inclusion, our goal should not merely be equality, because men and women are not on the same footing in terms of historical access, social conditioning, or structural privilege. What women need is equity — fairness, balance, and opportunity — that allows us to thrive based on merit, competence, and character.

This conversation must not start and end at the national level or within the Senate chamber. True equity begins at the foundation — from the kindergarten, to the primary and secondary schools, to our workplaces, and across every level of governance and development. We must nurture a system that gives girls confidence from childhood and ensures that women are given space and support to grow into leadership at all levels, including the ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

However, for this to happen, women themselves must begin to step forward without fear. We must support one another and stop limiting ourselves within the political structure. Today, many women in political parties have unconsciously wired their minds toward only one position — Woman Leader. Yet, there is no party constitution that says a woman cannot aspire to become Chairman, Secretary, Auditor, Publicity Secretary, or any other executive office.

If we truly believe in our capacity, then we must put ourselves out there — contest, campaign, and compete with confidence. We must stop waiting for positions to be handed to us as favours. Leadership is not a gift; it is a responsibility earned through courage, vision, and hard work.

When we insist on “equality,” we risk suggesting that we want to be treated exactly like men — even in a system that has not yet created fair ground for both. But when we demand equity, we are asking for justice, for access, and for the right environment to showcase our strength.

Women must go back to the table and redesign the framework of our demand. What we need is not sympathy or token representation — we need sustainable systems that empower us to build, lead, and mentor. We must also begin to groom the next generation of girls to understand that leadership is not limited by gender.

Let us change our mindset. Let us stop waiting for free forms or special considerations before we take part in politics. Once we begin to believe in our potential, invest in ourselves, and step into the arena boldly, others will begin to believe in us too.

It’s time for Nigerian women to move from seeking positions to earning them, from expecting opportunities to creating them, and from equality to true equity — one that is rooted in courage, competence, and confidence.

By Hon. Gloria Sarauniya Usman

State Secretary, SDP FCT

16th October, 2025