Diverse Representation is Important

Here is why?

Every day, decisions that affect people's lives are made. These decisions lead to policies, products, projects, rules, guidelines and defining ends. More often than not, this ostracises multiple classes within societies, occasioning great discomfort.

When we highlight diversity, gender representation often takes the lead, especially female inclusion. While in school, one of my mentors told me a story that perfectly illustrates gender representation. While planning the construction of a mosque, concerns were raised about a suitable location for the female restrooms. It was initially mapped where the males could see them entering the restroom, which was uncomfortable for the females. Upon realisation, the toilet was moved to a better and more private space; if there were no females in the decision-making, the problem would have been discovered late, thus costing additional resources to fix the problem.

This is an example of how a simple decision—building a restroom—requires special consideration and prevents future problems. Muslim organisations usually have specific positions reserved for females—a wonderful idea.

While gender representation is essential, another significant type of representation is religious representation. When I attended my NYSC orientation camp, it was clear that there was no Muslim representation in the planning of the programme, and even if there was, it was not a conscious or knowledgeable Muslim. There are so many anti-Muslim, maybe even anti-Christian activities in the program (I don't know much about Christianity), but thankfully if you attended camp in the north, they turned a blind eye to many of these things and allowed you to be. An example is the length of the white uniform we wear, which is not permissible for either Muslim men or women, among a host of others. 

Commonly overlooked also is youth representation. Anytime decisions are to be made, except for a minor, we should ensure they are in the room where the decision is being made. Recently, I was talking to someone from COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria), and the person told me about how they had this idea of adding a 1-year internship to all engineering degrees in Nigeria, which we must do before we can go for NYSC. It might be a nice idea, but engineering would become a 6-year course + ASUU strike or an extra year 7 or 8 years in school; engineering students won't be happy with that. 

If it is for the greater good, we might say they will eventually get used to it, but the idea that our engineering graduates don't have the expected level of quality needed and a 1-year internship can solve that is partially correct or maybe even incorrect. Many students lose interest early on in the course, and the quality of the education itself has reduced over time. 

If this problem is to be solved, they have to catch them young. When students are at 100-300 level when that zeal and excitement of studying engineering is still there, that needs to be worked upon; by 500 level, it is already late for many, if not most.

When representation is mentioned, the goal should not be just to have representation but quality representation; the person should be knowledgeable, confident, and bold.

Although I mentioned just 3, representation is way broader than that. At the end of the day, the goal is to protect a particular interest, meaning if there is any interest that is important to you, it should be ensured that there is adequate representation for that interest wherever you find yourselves.

What does quality representation look like?

In the Lagos State House of Assembly, they once contemplated scrapping cemeteries and cremating all corpses in Lagos State due to the non-availability of land; it might have passed if not for the honourable Abdul Lateef Abdul Hakeem and others, who spoke out against it, and the bill did not pass. There were probably other Muslims there in the house, but they might not have been knowledgeable enough or brave enough to defend it. Fire in Islam is not to be used on people or even to kill animals.

https://dailytrust.com/lagos-may-legalize-cremation-of-corpses-soon-bill-splits-lagos-house-of-assembly/

There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “Teni ni teni ti àkísà ni ti àtàn." What is your own is your own, and rags are for the dump; nobody can be more concerned regarding any matter than the person in concern. It is quite important to ensure your particular community and interests are adequately represented in all sections of leadership you can find yourselves; it is also important if you are in a position of leadership, especially when your decision is going to affect people with different backgrounds to ask for opinions on that decision before embarking on it.

I wrote an article on asking for opinions and carrying people along when embarking on a project. You can read it here.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/otubanjo-abdul-hameed_on-the-24th-of-july-i-and-my-fellow-sdg-activity-7232399181213048834-IRGt?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

NOTES

1. It wasn't only Muslim organisations that were against the cremation bill; a lot of Christian organisations vehemently opposed it. It is also alien to African culture.

2. The Lagos State House of Assembly later passed a bill for voluntary cremation. 

EXTRAS

Guess what the conversation in Hausa below means; it should be easy. 

Menene Sunan ki

Sunan ki Zainab

You can add your answer in the comment section.

I have great experience in providing young or Islamic perspectives to corporate decision-making. If you would like to book a consultation with me before embarking on your project to ensure young and Islamic perspectives are properly represented, email abdulhameedotubanjo@gmail.com.