In the realm of social media, there is currently a circulating tweet that is both unkind and uncharitable, displaying a misogynistic viewpoint. This tweet insinuates that the female ministers who recently underwent screening by the senate are nothing more than mistresses and side chicks of influential politicians and government officials.
Upon reading this tweet, my heart sank, and I was overcome with sadness at the presence of such chauvinism, female bashing, vilification, and misogynistic comments. Misogyny, which encompasses hatred, dislike, or prejudice against women or girls, should be condemned by all individuals who possess goodwill and reason. It is a form of sexism that manifests in various ways, including discrimination, objectification, and belittlement towards women. Misogyny can be observed in both individual attitudes and societal structures, often perpetuating gender inequality and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Personally, I find this treatment of women to be incredibly unfair, highly condescending, and insensitive to the importance of gender inclusion in government. Listening to the female ministerial nominees during the Senate screening, it was evident that many of them displayed professionalism and had extensive experience serving in various public and private sector offices. It is imperative that we put an end to the tendency to stereotype women in our society. We should not hold our men to different standards or pass judgment on them in the same manner as we do with women. Just as we are eager and swift to condemn racism, ethnicity, and religious discrimination, we must also be prompt in denouncing misogyny, which is equally if not more repugnant than these vices. It is time to put an end to this unnecessary stereotyping.
NB: Sonny Iroche, 2022-2023 Senior Academic Fellow, African Studies Centre of the University of Oxford. He is also an Investment Banker of 30 years experience. He was an Executive Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), 2013-2017)
Twitter (X): @IrocheSonny
