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Summary
On September 26 at 5 p.m., AdvoKC Foundation and NFM hosted an X Space discussion on “Gender Equality Commitments in Nigeria’s Legislative Agenda.” The session featured insights from lawyers Saratu Musa Wakawa and Amy Onyinyechi Chinekwu Onwumere, who examined discriminatory provisions in the Police and Labour Acts and also proposed reforms.
On September 26, at 5 p.m., AdvoKC Foundation, in partnership with Naija Feminists Media, hosted an X Space discussion themed “Gender Equality Commitments in Nigeria’s Legislative Agenda.”
The conversation was part of the Legislative Agenda Meter, an accountability initiative under the Promise Tracker NG platform, which monitors how the National Assembly delivers on its four-year legislative agenda. This session focused on Nigeria’s commitments to advancing gender equality, particularly reforms within the Police Act and Labour Act.
The dialogue was moderated by AdvokC communications assistant Ayomide Adekoya, who explained that the legislative agenda reflects promises lawmakers intend to fulfill both in the short and long term. She said that the focus of this space would be on promises related to women and introduced each speaker to the participants, giving background about their expertise.
The X Space convened experts to discuss these gaps, raise awareness, and demand legislative action. Speakers included lawyer Saratu Musa Wakawa and Lawyer Amy Onyinyechi Chinekwu Onwumere
Ms Saratu Musa expressed appreciation for the X Space and the opportunity to learn, share insights, and exchange experiences. She then examined discriminatory provisions in the Police Act.
She spoke extensively on Regulation 124 of the Police Act, which requires female police officers to obtain written permission from the Commissioner of Police before getting married. She added that women must serve for three years before even becoming eligible to make this request.
She also noted a recent court judgment, passed on September 18, allowing married female police officers who become pregnant to be granted maternity leave at the discretion of the force.
“That means it is discretionary, but maternity leave, as we know, should be mandatory,” she said.
Another regulation she highlighted states that married female officers who become pregnant shall be dismissed from the force and can only be reinstated with the Inspector General’s approval. She acknowledged the efforts of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in challenging these discriminatory provisions.
Saratu noted that such regulations were discriminatory, as they impose limitations and restrictions on women that men do not face. She noted that recruitment policies regulate only single women, effectively making choices for them, while men face no such restrictions. She emphasised that no one should be discriminated against based on sex or gender in the workforce.
According to her, women in the police force face career insecurity, which discourages aspirants and threatens their economic stability and independence.
Ms. Amy Onyinyechi focused on practical steps to integrate gender equality into future laws. She recommended conducting gender audits for bills, establishing a Gender Equality Commission, making gender impact assessments mandatory for budgets, and strengthening the enforcement of existing laws. She also called for the effective implementation of laws already in place that protect the rights of women in the workforce.
“Inclusion is not a favour, it is justice. Women must be respected and treated as human beings with rights and freedoms to participate fully in society,” Amy concluded.
She pointed out that the major challenge is not the absence of laws but the poor implementation and enforcement of existing ones.
The moderator Ayomide referenced the promise made by the Edo State Governor, and Saratu added that consistent advocacy and the use of accountability tools are essential to ensure such political promises are fulfilled.
During the discussion, a participant, The Believer, asked Amy what can be done beyond surface-level engagement to hold leaders accountable. Amy talked on the importance of consistent advocacy, raising awareness, and using accountability tools to demand action on promises made.
She also stressed that the enforcement of existing laws is a crucial first step to transform youth interest into concrete action. Saratu added that building an equitable society goes hand in hand with having gender-sensitive laws and strengthening institutional capacity to address gender inequality effectively.
Another participant questioned why gender equality remains a persistent issue and why political leaders often make promises like this but fail to fulfill them once they are voted into office. Saratu responded by pointing to the incapacity of some political leaders and their perception of gender equality as a threat to patriarchal structures.
In closing, the dialogue showed that true progress on gender equality in Nigeria depends not only on making laws but on enforcing them, dismantling discriminatory structures, and building stronger institutions that protect women’s rights.
