The AIAC Podcast: "What's Left of Nigeria's Feminist Left?" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The AIAC Podcast
• Host/Author: Africa Is a Country
• Description: Hosted by Will Shoki, the Africa Is a Country Podcast is a weekly destination for analysis of current events, culture, and sports on the African continent and its diaspora, from the left.
• Episode: What's Left of Nigeria's Feminist Left?
• Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The AIAC Podcast, hosts Said Husseini and Emeka Ugu delve into the state of Nigeria's feminist movement, examining its historical roots, present challenges, and future prospects. They engage in an in-depth conversation with Comrade Hawa Mustafa, a distinguished feminist trade unionist and development economist affiliated with the Nigerian Labor Congress. The discussion is catalyzed by the recent scandal involving Senator Natasha Akpoti Odoagan, whose suspension from the Senate after accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment has reignited debates on gender equality and the efficacy of Nigeria's feminist left.

Historical Context of Nigeria's Women's Movement

Comrade Hawa Mustafa provides a comprehensive overview of the women's movement in Nigeria, tracing its origins back to the pre-independence era. She emphasizes the significant roles women played during colonial struggles, citing pivotal events like the Aba Women's Riots and the contributions of leaders such as Haji Sawaba and Gambo Sawaba. These early movements imbued Nigerian women with courage and visibility, essential for their active participation in national development.

"The role that women played... was quite inspiring... inspiring to younger women, to women who also needed, who were also concerned with situations during their own era." [05:08]

Mustafa highlights how, during the military regime, women faced double oppression—both from a patriarchal society and an exploitative political system. The military's alignment with emerging global neoliberalism further entrenched gender biases, limiting women's roles in both public and private spheres.

"Women found themselves suffering double oppression. Not just because they were women... but additionally by a system... that was also segregated by class." [10:45]

The formation of Women in Nigeria (WIN) in 1982 marked a pivotal moment. WIN emerged as a feminist socialist organization aiming to dismantle both patriarchal and class-based oppressions. Unlike other groups such as the National Council for Women's Society, WIN maintained strong feminist and socialist foundations, often resisting state attempts to co-opt or dilute its agenda.

"WIN was too strong because WIN was clearly a feminist socialist organization... most or all the major positions were left for women." [15:30]

Impact of Military Regime and Structural Adjustment

Under military rule, democratic spaces were severely restricted, and social infrastructures were controlled by a male-dominated hierarchy. Mustafa explains how the military regime's oppressive policies were met with robust resistance from various social movements, including women's groups, student unions, and trade unions.

"The women's movement was a very strong participant... putting the military out of government." [16:58]

The global context, particularly the Cold War, influenced activism in Nigeria. The socialist bloc's emphasis on collective struggle bolstered local movements, allowing organizations like WIN to advocate effectively for gendered development and human rights.

Mustafa also credits international milestones, such as the Beijing Women's Conference of 1995, for further empowering Nigerian women's movements by aligning global feminist agendas with local struggles.

"The outcome of this process was that the women's movement will also be counted in as playing a very key role... was something that was facilitated by the struggle of the women's movement." [21:16]

Transition to Electoral Democracy and Persistence of Patriarchy

The return to electoral democracy in the 2000s brought nominal political change but failed to dismantle the deeply entrenched patriarchy within Nigeria's political structures. Mustafa critiques the male-dominated civilian ruling class, which continues to marginalize women despite increased political participation.

"The civilian ruling class by and large is still quite male dominated... patriarchy remains so dominant." [24:05]

She contrasts the mass-based, grassroots nature of past movements with the current landscape dominated by NGOs and reformist organizations, which often lack the connective strength and revolutionary zeal of their predecessors.

Fragmentation and Neoliberal Influence on Current Feminist Movements

Mustafa attributes the fragmentation of Nigeria's feminist left to the rise of neoliberal policies and the influx of donor-funded programs that prioritize reform over transformation. This shift has led to a proliferation of specialized NGOs focused on specific issues like women's education, empowerment, and anti-violence campaigns, rather than a unified, grassroots movement advocating for systemic change.

"The current women's movement is not interrogating a system... it's about shifting power... not about changing power relations." [33:40]

She argues that liberal feminism has supplanted more radical, socialist feminist approaches, resulting in movements that seek inclusion within existing structures rather than challenging and overhauling those structures.

"The feminist organizing is largely controlled by neoliberal systems... it does not allow you space to think, right, radically, revolutionarily outside the box." [37:41]

Senator Natasha's Scandal and Its Implications

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Odoagan after her accusations of sexual harassment against the Senate President serves as a contemporary flashpoint for discussions on women's political empowerment and the pervasive nature of patriarchy in Nigerian politics.

Mustafa uses this incident to illustrate the intersection of gender and class oppression, emphasizing that even politically empowered women are not immune to systemic misogyny.

"The women's movement should not just look at reform of patriarchy, but it should also address class imbalance, power relations within the context of class in the country." [59:26]

She critiques the limited number of female Senators and questions the substantive impact of their participation, highlighting the superficial nature of current empowerment efforts.

"Only one woman is attacked and she's standing on her own. The other three women have not come out in support." [62:07]

Mustafa underscores the need for psychological empowerment alongside political and economic empowerment, advocating for a holistic approach that transforms power relations and societal attitudes towards women.

"Women's empowerment also means empowering men psychologically... changing the power relations between men and women." [71:10]

Future of the Feminist Movement in Nigeria

Looking ahead, Mustafa expresses cautious optimism. She notes a gradual increase in awareness and discourse around issues like sexual harassment, catalyzed by high-profile cases like Natasha's. However, she remains critical of the movement's current trajectory, which she views as overly reformist and elitist, lacking the revolutionary spirit necessary for genuine transformation.

"This conversation is increasing... I am beginning to see something around some more courage... leading to more understanding." [73:20]

She calls for a renewed focus on systemic change rather than incremental reforms. Mustafa advocates for building alliances beyond existing structures, such as engaging trade unions and grassroots organizations, to foster a more unified and potent feminist movement capable of challenging both patriarchy and neoliberal agendas.

"Feminist organizing and reorganizing means that we need to let ourselves know the critical failings, the very powerful issues that keep women silent." [76:09]

Mustafa also highlights the weakening of trade unions under neoliberal pressures, which has adversely affected women's roles within these organizations. She emphasizes the need for revitalizing trade unions to serve as strong allies in the feminist struggle.

"The trade union is not in a political position to even engage... the trade unions as organizations are so weak they do not have the political wherewithal." [84:37]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with hosts recognizing Comrade Hawa Mustafa's invaluable insights into the complexities facing Nigeria's feminist left. Her critical analysis underscores the necessity for a revitalized, cohesive movement that transcends neoliberal constraints and confronts both gender and class oppressions head-on.

"Once again, just to say a huge thank you and we're really grateful to have you and hope we can have you back again down the line to reflect on some of these issues." [85:51]

This episode serves as a compelling examination of the historical and contemporary challenges facing feminist movements in Nigeria, advocating for a return to more radical, systemic approaches to achieve true gender equality.

Notable Quotes:

1. "WIN was too strong because WIN was clearly a feminist socialist organization... most or all the major positions were left for women." [15:30]
2. "The current women's movement is not interrogating a system... it's about shifting power... not about changing power relations." [33:40]
3. "Women's empowerment also means empowering men psychologically... changing the power relations between men and women." [71:10]
4. "The trade union is not in a political position to even engage... the trade unions as organizations are so weak they do not have the political wherewithal." [84:37]

Final Thoughts

For listeners seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of Nigeria's feminist movement, this episode offers a thorough and thought-provoking analysis. Comrade Hawa Mustafa's expertise and candid reflections provide a critical lens through which to assess both past achievements and future directions for gender activism in Nigeria.