Women groups, under the umbrella of Womenifesto, on Sunday, urged
the National Assembly (NASS) to reconsider gender-related bills before it.
The Co-convener of the groups, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, stated this during a virtual news conference in Abuja.
“We call on the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to call an urgent meeting.
“We want urgent re-convening, reconsideration, and immediate passage of the five women/gender-related bills.
“The passing of the Gender and Equal Opportunities (GEOB) Bill, currently before the senate.
“Resuscitation and the passage of the bill on ‘Support for Women Participation in Elective and Appointive Positions Bill 2020 before the House of Representatives.
“Immediate domestication of the African Charters Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, which Nigeria ratified in 2004.5.
“Immediate domestication of the UN Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Nigeria ratified in 1985.”
Akiyode-Afolabi said a low women representation in leadership positions amounted to denying half of Nigeria’s population the voice and opportunity to contribute to governance and development.
