Writes Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (President of the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats – (LEAD)
We, the LEAD women, stand in unwavering solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the blatant misogyny, injustice, and patriarchal dominance displayed in the Nigerian Senate. The suspension of Senator Natasha for six months merely for daring to report a case of sexual harassment, is not only an assault on her rights but a dangerous precedent that silences women in leadership and discourages them from speaking out against abuse.
It is appalling that in a Senate of 109 members, where only four are women, those in power have chosen to humiliate and punish one of the few female voices advocating for justice. Instead of addressing the serious allegations of sexual harassment, the system has chosen to attack Senator Natasha’s character, personal life, and legitimacy as a leader. This is an orchestrated effort to intimidate women in politics and reinforce the patriarchal status quo that has long suppressed female participation in governance.
The failure of the remaining three female Senators to rally behind Senator Natasha is a stark reminder that women in leadership must do better in consolidating power and fighting for collective justice. Women must recognize that this battle is not just about one woman, it is about all women in Nigeria who face systemic discrimination, exclusion, and gender-based hostility in public office and beyond.
Sadly, this happened days before International Women’s Day and in women’s month. Let this be a wake-up call. Nigerian women must reject the culture of silence imposed on them and demand accountability, inclusion, and respect. We refuse to accept a political system that penalizes women for seeking justice while protecting perpetrators of harassment and discrimination.
We demand:
1. The immediate reversal of Senator Natasha’s suspension.
2. An independent investigation into her sexual harassment complaint.
3. Legislative reforms to protect women in politics from gender-based discrimination and retaliation.
4. Greater representation of women in the Senate and other decision-making spaces.
This is not just Senator Natasha’s fight, it is the fight of every woman who has ever been silenced, sidelined, or shamed for daring to lead. The war is not against one woman. The war is against the oppressive structures that seek to keep all women in their place.
We stand with Senator Natasha.
We stand for justice.
We stand for every Nigerian woman who refuses to be silenced.
#IStandWithSenatorNatasha
#WomenInPolitics
#EndMisogynyInLeadership
In solidarity with Senator Natasha.
