Nigeria at 64: Unsung Heroines of Nigerian Independence 

While iconic male figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo often dominate narratives of independence, attributing Nigerian independence solely to their efforts would be inaccurate. Independence was achieved through the collective struggles of various nationalist leaders, political parties, and grassroots movements.

Numerous Nigerian women have also played equally vital, though less celebrated, roles. These women not only contributed to the fight for autonomy from British colonial rule but also tirelessly championed women’s rights and liberation in a society grappling with deeply entrenched patriarchal structures. Today, we can celebrate Nigeria at 64.

In honour of Nigerian Independence Day today, let’s examine the lives and contributions of these unsung heroines.

4 Early Pioneers of Nigerian Independence 

1. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
2. Margaret Ekpo
3. Elizabeth Adekogbe
4. Hajiya Gambo Sawaba 

1. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, often dubbed the “Mother of Africa”, was a towering figure in the movement for women’s rights and Nigerian independence. Born in 1900, Ransome-Kuti’s activism started in the 1930s with the Abeokuta Ladies Club (ALC), later transformed into the Abeokuta Women’s Union (AWU) in 1946 to encompass women from all walks of life. The AWU, under Ransome-Kuti’s leadership, spearheaded the 1947 tax revolt against the British colonial government, challenging the imposed tax increase on women in Abeokuta. 

Ransome-Kuti also contributed to the political landscape by helping to found the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944. Although she faced challenges in her political career, including an unsuccessful run for a regional assembly seat, her efforts in education and social reform were pivotal in raising living standards and advocating for women’s rights.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s contributions to Nigerian independence were significant. While she did not directly bring about independence in 1960, her activism and leadership in the decades prior helped create a more politically aware and engaged female population, which, in turn, contributed to the overall momentum for self-rule in Nigeria.

Here’s how:

• Early Activism and Challenging Colonial Power: Ransome-Kuti’s activism began long before 1960. Her leadership during the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt of 1949, where she mobilised thousands of women to challenge unfair taxation by the colonial government, demonstrated the power of organised resistance and helped galvanise women as a political force. This event, highlighted across several sources, solidified her image as a powerful advocate for women’s rights and a staunch critic of colonial rule and helped shift public opinion towards questioning British authority.

• Nationalist Politics and Advocacy for Self-Government: Ransome-Kuti was a key supporter of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a prominent nationalist political party advocating for Nigerian independence. She actively campaigned for the party, further demonstrating her commitment to self-rule. While her attempts to win political office were unsuccessful due, in part, to limitations on women’s suffrage, her involvement in the NCNC allowed her to amplify demands for independence within a male-dominated political arena.

• Championing Women’s Suffrage: Ransome-Kuti recognized that women’s political participation was essential for true independence. She relentlessly campaigned for women’s suffrage, understanding that without the right to vote, women would remain marginalised in the newly independent nation. Her efforts, though not fully realised until 1976 when women in Northern Nigeria finally gained full suffrage, helped lay the groundwork for greater female participation in post-colonial Nigerian politics.

2. Margaret Ekpo

Margaret Ekpo was another powerful voice who recognized early on that the fight for women’s ights was intertwined with the struggle for independence. She joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) to advocate for a marginalised group often excluded from political processes. Ekpo’s influence was deeply felt in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in Aba, where she established the Aba Township Women’s Association in 1954. This association, under her leadership, empowered women politically and played a pivotal role in local elections.

Ekpo also fearlessly challenged injustice, as exemplified by her actions following the 1949 Enugu coal mine massacre, where she, along with Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, led protests against the killing of miners who dared to challenge colonial practices.

She was appointed as a Special Member of the Eastern House of Chiefs in 1959. This appointment, though within a colonial structure, demonstrates recognition of her influence and her effectiveness as a voice for women’s rights. Her actions and powerful speeches brought international attention to the plight of Nigerians under colonial rule and cemented her position as a fearless advocate for justice.

Ekpo’s efforts primarily focused on mobilising women as a political force, challenging colonial policies, and advocating for greater inclusion in the political sphere. Here’s how her impact indirectly led to the Nigerian independence:

• Early Political Engagement and Challenging Colonial Policies: Like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo’s activism began well before 1960. She recognized early on that women’s voices were crucial in the movement for self-rule. Ekpo’s involvement in protesting discriminatory practices against Indigenous medical staff demonstrates her early engagement in challenging colonial authority. This event highlights her willingness to confront injustice and likely spurred her further involvement in nationalist politics.

• Mobilising Women for Political Action: Recognizing that women were often excluded from male-dominated political spaces, Ekpo formed the Aba Township Women’s Association (ATWA) in 1954. She understood that for independence to be meaningful, it needed to include the voices and participation of all Nigerians, not just men. This is supported by her instrumental role in increasing the number of women voters in Aba, ultimately leading to women outnumbering men in a citywide election.

• Advocating for Women’s Rights Within Existing Political Structures: Ekpo strategically aligned herself with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a prominent nationalist party advocating for independence. Her involvement with the NCNC highlights her pragmatic approach to affecting change. By working within a male-dominated political party, she could amplify women’s concerns and demand their inclusion in the discussions and negotiations surrounding independence. Her mobilisation strategies, particularly within the NCNC, contributed to shattering the male-centred political landscape, securing her a voice in city politics.

3. Elizabeth Adekogbe

Elizabeth Adekogbe, born in 1919, was another remarkable woman who dedicated her life to uplifting women in Nigeria. Adekogbe, a teacher, journalist, and ardent nationalist recognized the need for a unified front to dismantle the political, economic, and social barriers that hindered women’s progress.

In 1952, she founded the Women’s Movement of Nigeria (WM) to empower women through education, promoting their welfare, and training them to be active participants in the newly independent nation’s political landscape. The WM later evolved into the Nigerian Council of Women and eventually merged with the Women’s Improvement League to become the National Council of Women Societies in 1959.

Adekogbe’s legacy extends beyond her organizational skills. She was a prolific writer, using platforms like the Nigerian Tribune, The Daily Times, The West African Pilot, and The Southern Nigerian Defender to address women’s issues and challenge societal norms that perpetuated gender inequality.

Her contributions, while not as widely recognized as those of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti or Margaret Ekpo, were nonetheless significant in advancing the cause of Nigerian nationalism, here’s how:

• Women’s Rights Advocacy: Adekogbe was a leader in various women’s organizations that worked to elevate the political consciousness of Nigerian women. She believed that achieving independence from colonial rule had to go hand-in-hand with gender equality.

• Leadership in Women’s Organizations: Adekogbe was a key leader in the Nigerian Women’s Union (NWU), which later became the Nigerian Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS). This organization fought for women’s rights and political involvement at a time when women were largely excluded from decision-making processes. Under her leadership, these organizations became a force in pushing back against colonial policies that ignored the welfare of women and the marginalized in society. This was essential in expanding the political conversation beyond the interests of the colonial elite and urban men.

Although Elizabeth Adekogbe’s contributions have often been overshadowed by other female activists, her work was instrumental in integrating women into the political framework of Nigeria, both before and after independence. 

4. Hajiya Gambo Sawaba 

In Northern Nigeria, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba emerged as a powerful voice against oppression. A victim of underage marriage herself, Sawaba became a staunch advocate against forced marriages and child labour. Inspired by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, she relentlessly fought for women’s right to education and political participation in a region where patriarchal structures were deeply entrenched. Her unwavering spirit and activism led to her being jailed numerous times, a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Gambo Sawaba’s contributions to Nigerian independence were intertwined with her broader fight for social justice and women’s rights, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Here’s how her contributions assisted the bigger fight for independence:

• Challenging Colonial Structures through Activism: Sawaba’s early involvement with the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) at the age of 17 demonstrates her commitment to challenging existing power structures, including those imposed by British colonial rule. The NEPU was known for its opposition to colonialism and the dominant Northern People’s Congress, indicating Sawaba’s alignment with groups actively seeking self-determination for Nigeria.
  
• Mobilizing Women and Marginalized Voices: The sources highlight Sawaba’s dedication to raising awareness about women’s rights and advocating for their inclusion in political processes, particularly in Northern Nigeria where they faced significant barriers (Source). By championing women’s suffrage and access to education (Source), she contributed to a growing movement that recognized the importance of women’s voices in a future independent Nigeria.
  
• Mentorship and Collaboration: The sources note Sawaba’s connection to Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a leading figure in the Nigerian women’s rights movement (Source). While details about their mentorship are limited in these sources, this connection suggests Sawaba’s participation in a broader network of activists pushing for social and political change during a crucial period in Nigeria’s history.
  

Honourable Mentions: Tanimowo Ogunlesi and Wuraola Esan 

Along with these prominent figures, other women like Tanimowo Ogunlesi and Wuraola Esan were instrumental in shaping the landscape of women’s rights in Nigeria. Ogunlesi, a staunch advocate for education, established the first Nigerian-owned boarding school, “The Children’s Home,” in Ibadan in 1948. She also played an active role in the fight for independence, becoming the only female member of the 1953 delegation to the UK that negotiated Nigeria’s autonomy.

Esan, an educator and activist, established the Ibadan People’s Girls Grammar School in 1940 to address the lack of educational opportunities for girls. She was a vocal member of the Nigerian Youth Movement and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, later becoming the first female member of the Nigerian National Assembly.

Limited Roles for Women in Nigerian Politics

While we can celebrate the significant contributions of women like Elizabeth Adekogbe, Tanimowo Ogunlesi, Wuraola Esan, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba to social justice and political change in Nigeria, they also reveal the constraints these women faced within a patriarchal political system. These limitations made it difficult for them to be directly involved in key independence discussions. Here’s why:

1. Restricted Access to Formal Political Spaces: We highlighted earlier that Nigerian women, particularly in the years leading up to independence, lacked full political rights, including suffrage in many regions. This exclusion would have limited their formal avenues for participating in high-level discussions and decision-making processes related to independence.
   
   • For example, women in northern Nigeria did not gain the right to vote and stand for election until 1976, long after independence.
   • The colonial government’s electoral regulations in the 1940s explicitly excluded women from voting or holding office.
   • Even when women like Tanimowo Ogunlesi were included in delegations, they were often the sole female representative.
     
2. Dominance of Male-Led Political Parties: The political landscape was (and still is) dominated by male-led political parties, making it challenging for women to rise to positions of influence within these structures.
   
   • Activists like Elizabeth Adekogbe often had to navigate complex relationships with these parties, sometimes facing pressure to align their movements with male political agendas.
   • Even when women formed their organisations, they often faced challenges in gaining recognition and support from the male-dominated political establishment.
     
3. Social and Cultural Barriers: Beyond formal political structures, there were also deeply ingrained social and cultural norms that limited women’s roles in the public sphere, often relegating them to domestic duties and discouraging their participation in politics.
   
   • Women’s activism was often met with resistance and criticism, with some accusing them of neglecting their traditional roles as wives and mothers.
   • Women’s efforts to engage in politics were sometimes dismissed as “irrational” or “emotional outbursts,”.
   • Colonial education policies often reinforced traditional gender roles, focusing on training girls for domesticity rather than equipping them for leadership positions. This educational disparity further limited women’s opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for political engagement.

The challenges faced by prominent women activists in the past, resonate with the experiences of women in contemporary Nigerian politics. Women hold only 3 per cent of seats in the Senate and 4 per cent in the House of Representatives as of the 2023 elections. Before then in 2019, only 11 out of 360 House of Representatives seats were held by women.

What Is The Way Forward in Nigeria?

A truly democratic society hinges on the active and meaningful involvement of all its citizens, regardless of gender, Not to mention that women especially need to be involved during policy formation of laws that govern female livelihood and body. Here are potential strategies for fostering greater participation of women in Nigerian politics:

Dismantling Systemic Barriers: There is a need to address the systemic structures that perpetuate gender inequality in politics.

Legislative Action: codifying a 40% quota for women’s representation in appointive public service positions. This resonates with the successful implementation of quotas in Rwanda, as mentioned in Source 8, where women now occupy 61% of parliamentary seats.

Promoting Internal Party Democracy: development partners could advocate for gender-sensitive party leadership and reforms that encourage the nomination and support of women candidates.

Challenging Social and Cultural Norms: We must underscore the importance of shifting deeply ingrained societal attitudes that limit women’s roles in the public sphere.

Education and Awareness: There should be robust educational programs and mentorship initiatives to empower women and encourage their political participation.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence: While not explicitly discussed earlier,  the historical context of violence against women, particularly during elections, necessitates addressing this issue to create a safer and more inclusive political environment.

Economic Empowerment: The lack of major women’s involvement in politics is linked often to their limited access to education and economic opportunities. Empowering women economically can provide them with the resources and independence necessary to engage in politics.

Supporting Women’s Organisations: The crucial role of women’s rights organisations in advocating for change should be noted. Providing these organisations with resources and amplifying their voices can contribute to broader societal shifts.

By learning from the experiences of past women activists and addressing the systemic, social, and cultural challenges, Nigeria can create a fairer political environment where women are protected, their voices are heard and their leadership potential is fully realized.

Happy Independence Day Nigeria!