The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has brought to light a crucial aspect of Nigerian marriage laws, urging the Federal Government to consider allowing women to retain their father’s names even after marriage. The executive director of MURIC, Prof Ishaq Akintola, emphasized the need for this reform, citing it as a vital step towards addressing gender discrimination and promoting equality.
Akintola’s viewpoint echoes the sentiments of many who perceive the existing practice of women taking on their husbands’ surnames as outdated, unjust, and oppressive. He fervently argues that it is fundamentally unfair for a man, who played no part in the upbringing of a woman, to suddenly gain the authority to change her surname upon marriage.
In a poignant statement, Akintola exclaimed, “No woman dropped suddenly from the sky,” emphasizing that every woman has been nurtured and molded by her parents before reaching maturity. He astutely pointed out that husbands, who may have had no involvement in a woman’s upbringing or education, should not have the unilateral power to overshadow her parental identity through marriage.
Furthermore, Akintola highlighted the burdensome practice wherein educated women are compelled to publicly declare their name changes in newspapers to ensure the legality of their documents and assets acquired prior to marriage. This serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and inequities embedded within the current marital framework.
In resonating with MURIC’s plea for reform, it becomes clear that the conversation goes beyond mere semantics; it traverses the realms of identity, autonomy, and gender parity. The call to action resonates not only within the borders of Nigeria but also on a global scale, as it underscores the universal struggle for gender empowerment and the right to self-identification.
This imperative call for change embodies an inherent quest for justice, equity, and inclusivity, aligning with the principles of societal progression. It symbolizes a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of women’s rights, amplifying the voices of those who advocate for a more egalitarian and just society.
As this dialogue unfolds, it illuminates the enduring significance of challenging archaic norms and fostering an environment where individuals, irrespective of gender, are able to embrace their singular identities without undue constraints. It resonates as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of gender equality is not merely a local concern, but a fundamental human rights issue that reverberates across nations and cultures.
In reimagining and reshaping the contours of marital traditions, Nigeria has the opportunity to set a precedent, heralding a transformative stride towards a more egalitarian and progressive society. This act of reform would not only elevate the status of women within the Nigerian landscape but also contribute to the global tapestry of gender equality and inclusivity.
In the spirit of inclusiveness and progress, the resonance of MURIC’s call for change amplifies a resounding clarion: a clarion that beckons for a harmonious convergence of tradition and modernity, ensconced within the tenets of justice, equality, and unity. It underscores the universal yearning for a world where individual identities are revered, unshackled from the constraints of antiquated conventions, and emboldened by the principles of equality and freedom.
Indeed, this plea for reform stands as a powerful testimonial to the unwavering spirit of change, resonating beyond geographical boundaries, and firmly rooted in the bedrock of human dignity and equality.
