Gender Debate: Panelists Call for Partnership Over Competition

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate International Women’s Month, the narrative surrounding gender relations took a transformative turn on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

During the “Gender Truce” podcast hosted by JolibaLive News, a group of discussants and advocates argued that the path to true equality lies in collaboration between the sexes rather than a battle for “freedom” or dominance.

The live discussion served as a platform for an honest, cross-gender dialogue, aiming to deconstruct the myths often associated with feminism in modern Nigeria.

The discussants tried to x-ray the theme of the podcast, which asked, “Are Nigerian women really living under an oppressive, male-dominated system“.

A central narrative of the discussion was the reframing of feminism by a women-right advocate, Blessing Nwankwo.

Ms Nwankow, emphasized that feminism should not be viewed as a declaration of independence from men, but as a framework for mutual respect.

“Feminism is not for independence alone; it is about collaboration and partnership between men and women,” Nwankwo stated.

She added a pragmatic reflection on the nature of relationships: “There is no point in challenging a man because, inevitably, one day you shall be partnering with one.”

Nwankwo also used the platform to highlight lingering systemic injustices, particularly the denial of inheritance rights to women, she claimed, was the lot of some women in some cultures in Nigera.

She noted that in many Nigerian families, women are still barred from acquiring property in their father’s house purely because of their gender.

“A child, whether male or female, should enjoy equal rights socially and economically,” she insisted.

Bridging the Legal Awareness Gap

Representing the male perspective, Godson Achugbu expanded the conversation into the legal realm.

While Nigeria has various laws aimed at protecting individuals from discrimination, Achugbu pointed out that a “knowledge gap” could lead some to suffer discrimination in silence.

“Laws exist to protect individuals from gender-based discrimination and violations of equality, but the challenge lies in public awareness and the ability to assert these rights effectively,” Achugbu explained.

He noted that many citizens remain unaware of the legal remedies available when they face gender-based threats.

The podcast concluded with a call for a society where mutual respect—not conflict—guides interactions.

By focusing on unique “responsibilities” to each gender, which are often naturally delineated by nature, and the common “rights,” enshrined by statutes and laws, the panelists suggested that Nigeria can build more harmonious relationships in which both women and men feel empowered by.

JolibaLive News continues to lead these vital conversations, using its Gender Truce series to help bridge ideological divides and promote a more informed, equitable society.

You can watch the full video of the maiden debate here.

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