The gender revolution has been the world’s most successful revolution, we are told. It shows in the diverse forces and interests in this push in Nigeria, indicating how successfully the idea of gender equity (not equality) has permeated all segments and strata of society and making it possible for a coalition of conservatives, middle roaders and radicals, all fighting to further interrogate patriarchy.
So, here it all depends on what one understands as a revolution because it doesn’t have to be the Great October Socialist Revolution of 1917 to be called that. It could also be the shake – ups in North Africa in 2010 and 2011 just as it could be the signing of the gender bill in Nigeria in 2022.
To press for it, a coalition has chosen three days to be out there to make a statement towards getting it signed. That can be called a revolution because, once signed, what it achieves can become another chapter in the discursive politics of gender equity.
So, the outing in the next three days is something to watch. Even if nothing else, it adds its own dimension to citizens actions for popular participation which has now been put as the cornerstone of popular democratic struggle in the current epoch. Why? Because it has become clear that no government anywhere in the world will follow popular aspirations unless it knows that crossing citizens’ red lines is simply too risky.
