By Kola Adeyemi
Abuja – ActionAid Nigeri, a human rights non-governmental organisation has called on the national assembly to take another look at the five proposed gender bills it rejected during the March 1 constitution amendment exercise.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking on “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow ”, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Obi said the decision to reject the bills has clearly become a threat to the achievement of adequate women representation in governance.
She also stated that the national lawmakers have demonstrated by their votes, that they do not want women inclusion in decision making.
” We had looked forward to really celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 because we thought it would mark a turnaround for Nigerian woman in politics, and a historic win in the struggle for women inclusion in decision making spaces, as the 2023 general elections draw closer.
” Sadly, the decision of the ninth National Assembly has threatened the achievement of adequate women representation in governance, as they have outrightly demonstrated by their votes, that they do not want women inclusion in decision making.
“If, in 2022, we still have to argue for or against the pivotal role of women in governance, it means our leaders are deliberately resistant to change and still have a lot of learning to do,” She said.
The Director urged the leadership of the National Assembly to re-present the gender bills for a possible positive re-consideration by its members.
“This is the only way to address the current gender imbalance across the legislative arms of governments and across the country,” She said.
Obi said re- presenting the bills for a review by the lawmakers will be in line with the Nigeria’s National Gender Policy which states that gender equality and women’s empowerment are basic human rights that lie at the heart of equitable development.
“Nigeria needs to live up to her commitment to 35 per cent Affirmative Action on women inclusion across all arms of governance.
” Upholding this will also increase the country’s credibility in the international community.
“An inclusive governance is only possible when women sit at the decision-making tables, contribute to planning and national development to find solutions to the many problems plaguing the nation such as climate change and insecurity.
“No nation can progress with over 50 per cent of its population excluded from contributing to its development.
“Failure to recognize this is simply planning to fail from the beginning,” Obi explained.
ActionAid Nigeria then commended the Nigerian women for the continued struggle, urging them not to succumb to intimidation.
“As women, we shall never be intimidated by any insensitive decision; this even makes women grow stronger in the fight for a just society.
“As we commemorate this day, let history have it that Nigerian women refused to stay quiet in the face of oppression and rights denial,” She explained.
According to Obi, the rejection of the five gender bills provides an opportunity for women in Nigeria to speak with oneness of voice.
“We salute the courage of women’s groups who swung into action since the rejection of the bills, and we call on those yet to join to add their voices.
“We encourage the women to work and walk in solidarity, to keep the flag of womanhood flying, we are strengthened by the knowledge that this struggle is for posterity,” the Director stated.(vitalnews)
