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Human beings are entitled to human rights because they are human. The issue of women’s right is a subject that has been grossly misunderstood by many.
What are human rights?
Human rights are moral principles or norms for certain standards of human behaviour and are regularly protected in municipal and international law. Wikipedia
According to Equality and Human Rights Commission
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. They can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted – for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of national security. These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. These values are defined and protected by law.
What is Feminism?
Simple meaning of feminism is the belief that women are entitled to political, economic, and social equality. Feminism is committed to ensuring women can fully enjoy their rights on an equal footing with men. Feminism is not about taking the place of a man, but being treated as a human being regardless of the gender; the right to have the opportunity one is qualified for without discrimination based on gender
Being a human gives you the right and entitlement to human rights, and these rights includes
– Right to political participation (To vote and be voted for)
Voting is a constitutional right, but in some areas women have been effectively prohibited from voting, using religion, custom and norms to bar them from going to the poll. Women are underrepresented in leadership, political appointments and elective positions.
– Sexual and Reproductive Rights
Every woman and girl has equal right to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive rights. They have equal access to health services, rights to decide if, when and who to marry, if they want to have children and how many children they want to have.
– Freedom from Gender Based Violence
Women and girls should be able to live a life free from fear of any kind of violence and discrimination such as rape, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, female genital mutilation, and forced sterilization, forced labour and trafficking in person. The rights to be educated and to enjoy physical and mental health.
-Freedom from Workplace Discrimination
Women and girls are often the subject of gender based discrimination, it is the rights of women to earn equal pay for a job they are qualified for and did perfectly. This is a human right. Women are often denied access to equal and fair wages. Statistically, it has been established that women currently earn roughly 77% of what men earn for the same work. This leads to a lifetime of financial disparity for women, prevents them from fully exercising independence, and means an increased risk of poverty in later life.
EPF Nigeria is working toward the realization of a just world for women, girls and children. Now, with a better understanding of the meaning of Women’s rights gained from this article, I wish to urge everyone to join us in the fight to end the abuse of women and girls rights. Choose to inspire, stand up for the truth and say no to gender based violence and gender discrimination.
EPF Nigeria!
