The Rise of the Black (Nigerian) Woman

Attendees pay rapt attention during the Women’s History Month event at the U.S. Embassy Abuja on March 20, 2017

The black woman is always interesting, sometimes strange, occasionally exciting, never boring. Whether Nigerian or American she has undergone particular struggles that neither black men nor Caucasian women have faced. She exists at the delicate intersection of two major societal issues, race and gender. When we observe Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the experience of the black woman embodies both these themes. As a black woman who grew up in Nigeria, studied in the United States and is back home now, I have a particular perspective on the differences, shared struggles, challenges and aspirations of black women in Nigeria and America. Whether in their homes or in the public space, the issues and problems facing black women are more complex than those confronting most other groups.

As one example, the patriarchal nature of Nigerian culture is one of the causes of disempowerment of Nigerian women, in combination with cultural and religious beliefs that infringe on women’s rights. The hashtag #BeingFemaleInNigeria has been used online by both women and men to debate gender identity, and illustrates how women face sexism in their workplace, public places and even in their homes. At home, Nigerian women are not considered equal partners when making decisions, even if they are expected to make substantial financial contributions to the household.

Married or unmarried, the Nigerian woman faces a complex set of challenges. Challenges facing the girl-child in Nigeria include gender discrimination, female mutilation, early marriage, lack of education, and sexual abuse. Although black women in the U.S. do not face exactly the same challenges, African-American women also confront a unique set of issues. Black women make up eight percent of the U.S. population, but 22 percent of homicides that result from domestic violence happen to black women making it one of the leading causes of death for black women ages 15 to 35.

Acting Auditor-General of the Federation, Florence Anyanwu, speaking at the U.S. Embassy Abuja during the Women’s History Month event on March 20, 2017

The Catalyst- a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusive workplaces for women found that black women in the workplace face barriers and often experience a “double outsider” status, unlike white women or African-American men, who share gender or race in common with their colleagues or bosses. In the US, when black women decided to go into business on their own to escape the discrimination they encounter in the workplace, they are denied access to small loans and federal contracts. A 2013 report from the Small Business Administration found that even when the type of business, business structure, and credit score were the same, women- and minority-owned businesses were less likely to get approved for loans. In Nigeria, women are often unable to obtain small business loans and are financially dependent on their husbands or fathers. The lack of financial independence puts women at a greater risk of falling into poverty due to their limited economic opportunities.

Behind many of the most important battles for racial and gender equality in the United States and Nigeria — from the civil rights movement to women’s rights — black women played important roles but very few have been recognized.

The Civil Rights Movement primarily focused on the oppression of black men. Many are familiar with the name and legacy of Dr. Marin Luther King, but few are acquainted with women such as Dorothy Irene Height or Ida Wells or even Septima Clark who also played important roles in the Movement. Even within the campaign for women’s rights, black women have had to take a back seat. In Nigeria, women such as Hajiya Gambo Sawaba and Margaret Ekpo played leading roles in women’s liberation and were pioneering politicians of the First Republic. However, their legacy is not as celebrated as their male colleagues.

Black women are underrepresented in politics within both the United States and Nigeria. Despite their large representation in the U.S. voting electorate, black women remain underrepresented in elective office and the judiciary for example only 2 black women have ever been elected to the U.S. senate. In the Nigerian political scene, particularly at state and federal levels, women are mostly invisible. Socio-economic and systemic constraints combine to limit women’s participation in politics. In Nigeria as in the US, women’s political participation has improved, but much still needs to be done. Recently, the Nigerian Senate voted down legislation — the Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence Against Women bill — that aimed to give women equal rights in marriage, education, and employment.

Despite these challenges, black women globally are making significant strides. The increased participation of women in the formal education system has been one of the most powerful agencies of change. Closing the gender gap in education has led to increased gender equality, which has not only benefited women, but has resulted in better opportunities for all people. Women with an education are also more involved in the family and are more active in public life. Whether in business, politics, civic activism, media or sports black female leaders and pioneers abound.

Black Girl Magic (#BlackGirlMagic) is an online movement that celebrates the beauty, power and resilience of black women despite their adversities. Wherever we look, black women are doing amazing things, setting an example and paving the way for more women to follow. Examples of black women making magic happen in various fields abound. In business, Ursula Burns, the first black woman to lead a Fortune500 company (Xerox) and Nigeria’s Folorunsho Alakija, a business tycoon and one of the richest and most powerful women in the world, serve as role models for women with a dream to conquer the male-dominated business world. Media mogul, Oprah Winfrey and Mo Abudu, Africa’s first woman to launch a Pan-African TV network, show us that there are no limits to what women can achieve. And of course, we have women like Serena Williams who has proved she is not only one of the best female tennis players but also one of the greatest athletes of all time. Notably the leaders of some the biggest recent movements in the U.S. and Nigeria, #BlackLivesMatter and #BringBackOurGirls, have been black women.

Renowned Nigerian Author Chimamanda Adichie in her essay — We Should All Be Feminists — argues that “a feminist is a man or a woman who says, yes, there’s a problem with gender as it is today and we must fix it, we must do better. All of us, women and men, must do better.” A growing school of thought, black feminism, argues that sexism, class oppression, gender identity and racism are inextricably bound together. By understanding the issues black women face at the intersection of race and gender, all of us, men and women must work together to alleviate the current challenges confronting black women. Black women are a vital component of the future success of any country.

Crossroads Nigeria

A publication of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria

U.S. Mission Nigeria

Written by

United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. For official information visit http://ng.usembassy.gov

Crossroads Nigeria

A publication of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria

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