The Qur’an likens a woman to a field (tilth), to be used by a man as he wills: “Your women are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth as you will” — Qur’an 2:223
“Gender equality bill anti-Islam, women cannot be equal to men: Northern Senators,” by Hillary Essien, Peoples Gazette, December 15, 2021 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):
Northern senators on Wednesday kicked against a proposed law for women empowerment in Nigeria, saying its content contradicts Islam and northern cultural values.
Senator Abiodun Olujimi of Ekiti has been pushing to get the bill through the parliament since 2016, but some senators have raised different concerns to get the bill shut down or at least returned to the initial stages.
Mrs Olujimi said the bill will “allow for the prohibition of all forms of discrimination against women and provide for the equality of all persons,” including people of determination in the society.
But some northern senators said the bill was not properly worded, especially its title that seeks equality rather than equity; while arguing strongly that it would contravene the tenets of Islam.
“This equality infringes on the Quran,” Abubakar Yusuf, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, said at today’s plenary. “I will not support the passage of the bill until the word equality is removed. When you bring equality into it infringes on the Quran.”
In his argument, Aliyu Wammako, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, said he will not support the bill as currently framed.
“When it comes to socio-cultural practices, it is wrong,” Mr Wamakko said. “When you talk of equity it is okay. When you talk of equality I will not support it.”
Image: Reuters