Silenced but Not Defeated: The Fight for Women’s Rights in Nigeria

Esther Alaribe

As we commemorate International Women’s Month this March 2025, a concerning situation has been on within Nigeria’s 10th Senate. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has publicly alleged sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio These allegations have initiated a national discourse on the persistent issue of sexual harassment within Nigeria’s political sphere, further exacerbated by her subsequent six-month suspension from the senate.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, which led to her submission of a petition of alleged sexual harassment by the senate president have elicited both public condemnation and skepticism, highlighting the deeply ingrained patriarchal norms that perpetuate a culture of silence and impunity surrounding sexual harassment. This petition was dismissed by the ethics committee on procedural grounds, a decision that was taken with the accused functioning as normal in office. It is unacceptable that in 2025, women in positions of power continue to encounter various forms of harassment and intimidation.

The Senate, through its committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, investigated the matter, which also included counter allegations from Senator Akpabio. The subsequent six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, along with the withdrawal of certain senatorial benefits, has been perceived by many as a punitive measure that discourages women from reporting harassment or going into politics. This action has raised concerns about due process and the protection of whistleblowers with women in focus.

The United Nations recognizes “Violence against women and girls as a pervasive human rights violation that affects millions of women and girls worldwide.” Furthermore, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the imperative of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference, where global leaders pledged to advance women’s rights and gender equality, the recent events in Nigeria’s Senate serve as a poignant reminder of the substantial progress still required to attain genuine gender equality.

In Nigeria, a robust feminist movement is crucial to challenge the patriarchal structures and power dynamics that perpetuate sexual harassment and violence against women. As Nigerian feminist and writer, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, observes, “The silence of women is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of the strength of the systems that oppress us.”

It is imperative for Nigerian women to break the silence and demand justice. We must unite against the misogynistic forces that seek to marginalize women in positions of power. As the African proverb states, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Let us educate ourselves, our communities, and our leaders about the significance of gender equality and the necessity to eliminate sexual harassment and violence against women.

The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan transcends a mere political issue; it is a litmus test for our collective commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and women’s rights in Nigeria. Let us rise to the occasion and advocate for a better future for all Nigerian women.

Now more than ever, civil society organisations, women rights activists, feminist movements must demand the implementation and enforcement of clear, comprehensive policies within the Senate and other institutions in Nigeria. Increased accountability where by allegations are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable regardless of social, political, and economic standing. We demand institutions that allow for legal and procedural transparency, making rules applicable to all and making those rules fair and equitable. Today, it is Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan; the injustice you choose to ignore today might be your own plight tomorrow.

Esther Alaribe is a journalist and gender advocate.