Abuja – Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday said that the common saying “Ladies First’’ had been reduced to mere lip service.
They expressed their opinions in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to the respondents, the saying has lost value and does not apply in Nigerian societies.
One of the respondents, Mrs Martha Yusuf, a sociologist, said that the concept of “Ladies First’’ had to do with someone’s personality.
She said it was only a gentleman that could understand it meaning and how it was done.
“For example, a tout or hooligan who has no respect for anybody will neither have respect for women nor have them go first for anything good.
“For such persons, `Ladies First’ is insignificant.
“Giving reference and preference to women can only come from one that respects woman.
“You don’t expect a man that sees a woman as a slave or one that does not have a say in the society to open the door or allow her to sit while he stands.’’
Similarly, Mrs Amaka Obioha, a fashion designer, said “Ladies First concept does not exist any longer, but just a mere talk.
“Most men do not have value for their sisters, wives or women generally. It cuts across other aspects of life.
“Some go as far as beating up their wives and insulting their female partners without considering ladies first.
“For such a man, the word `Ladies First’ makes no sense.’’
Another respondent, Miss Bridget Alama, an undergraduate of University of Abuja, said most men do not respect ladies.
She added that “before now, women were respected in public places by men around them; giving them priority, but nowadays, the reverse is the case.
“Men even prefer to be more comfortable wherever they find themselves, while the ladies bear and endure the heat.’’
Also, Mr Kela Chuma, a banker, said the concept could only be effective in the western world, not in Nigerian societies.
“So, the idea of considering women first in daily endeavours is not applicable in our society.’’
He, however, urged men to at least try to wear the garment of gentility to honour women in the society by preaching and exhibiting the concept.
The concept of “Ladies First’’ had its origin in western European etiquette, basically the rules of conduct in society.
In a number of situations, it was deemed correct behaviour to give ladies precedence over gentlemen. (NAN)