MY AWANI STORY
Every aspect in the awani elaborate film was a much needed topic to be discussed. From the heavy patriarchal system to the womens revolt down to the present day Nigeria and the existing system where we see the rising cases of sexual violence and the disapproval of the equal gender rights bill.
I remember reading a book, it was about a girl during the British patriarchal period,who was determined to fight for her freedom in a world where women’s only role in life was to sit at home and look pretty. That was the first glimpse i had that our pre colonial masters were infact patriarchal. This story seemed similar to the late edwardian era in so many ways. women were not allowed to vote or hold prominent roles in the society. Later on, a more significant reform was made due to the suffrage movement and slowly, women were bought into the picture and started playing more of a role in politics.
Referring to a statement Ifeoma Fafunwa made, the colonial influence which included the patriarchal system, was enforced during the precolonial time in Nigeria especially in the west. The British, however moved past this era, but somehow, we are still stuck in the same position. The involvement of Nigerian women in running the affairs of the country especially in the north has somehow being shrinked to almost nothing.
Culture and religion, knowingly or unknowingly got mixed up in the system. The two most practiced religions in Nigeria(Islam and christianity) are guiding principles in our respective lives. I am a Muslim nothern lady, and in my opinion, so long as i follow those guiding principles of my religion, there should be no limit to my achievements.
The Abeokuta women’s revolt and Aba women’s war showed how powerful women can be when they come together with a common goal to take a stand in what they believe in. We are still enjoying the fruits of their labour. This may be the time to go back to our roots, know our history, be proud of it and put it to use. There was so much work which was half way done by these great women in the likes of Fumilayo ransom Kuti. They showed us that being a woman is power enough, and shown us the possibility of a Nigeria where women talk, the people listen.
The statistics on sexual violence given in the awani film is heartbreakingly shocking. Believe it or not, sexual violence leaves a permanent emotional and physiological stain on the female child. I am a concerned female where i feel no safety for myself or any female out there. We now live a life where no amount of coverage or decency guarantees our safety. What breaks my heart the most is seeing that majority of these girls are totally oblivious that they are being sexually harassed until it is too late. As Kadaria Ahmed said,"education is key". When we talk about education, we are not just talking about going to school to learn, we are also talking about being religiously educated, morally educated, sexually educated all inclusive. Teaching the male child he is not entitled to any female and the female that the Male has no entitlement whatsoever to her body.
This is a much wider topic that is to be summarized in an essay. I look forward to seeing a greater Nigeria where women are involved in the system as much as the men are.
