Nigeria a male dominated society, limiting women from discovering full potentials – Bauchi Sharia judge laments

Participants at the Women stakeholders meeting 

By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

Nigeria has been described as a male dominated society that has limited the female population in discovering and developing its full potential thereby relegating it to the background in the scheme of things. 
The observation was made by a Khadi of Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal, Muhammad Uthman El-Mainari while speaking at a one day stakeholders consultative  meeting on Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria (Phase II) held at Chartwell Hotel, Bauchi organized by UN Women Nigeria. 
The Sharia law expert opined that women in Nigeria have been subjected to a lot gender based violence leading to various forms of discrimination which have taken a negative toll on the women thereby making it difficult for her to function. 
He further stressed that even religion allow the woman to be heard particularly on matters that directly affect her either in the family or in the society saying that at end of it all, the blames goes back to her. 
He assured that the Judiciary is always ready to support every programme that will promote gender equality and place the woman in her proper position stressing that gender mainstreaming is the solution to the situation. 
Muhammad Uthman El-Mainari added that, “We  therefore need to stand up to fight for the rights of women, support them in order to get in to position of decision making in governance”. 
In her remarks, Chairperson of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Bauchi State chapter, Hajiya Shafa’u Ladan called for concerted efforts in ensuring that every form of gender violence against women and girls were stopped. 
The legal practitioner added that all the Women related NGOs, CSOs and CBOs should work in synergy to make sure that the rights of women were adequately protected even though the country is a male dominated society. 
Shafa’u Ladan then commended UN Women for coming up with different programmes that are aimed at making women feel a sense of belonging to the society.