Women Coalition seeks gender inclusive language in Constitution Review

The Kaduna State Women Leaders Coalition on Covid-19 Response, has advocated for the inclusion of gender inclusive language in 1999 constitution.

The coalition made the advocacy at a media round table conference in Kaduna.

Member of the steering committee of the coalition, Emilia Csazar said adoption of gender inclusive language and increased women’s leadership by amending the 1999 constitution would pave way for more development to the Nation.

Csazar explained that the coalition was implementing a strategic three-point intervention in the areas of advocacy efforts, engaging government influencers and grassroots organizations to increase women’s meaningful participation in decision making.

“We are also strengthening collaboration between women leaders of the coalition through this platform by increasing visibility in monitoring and accountability to tracking government actions and policies in highlighting needs of women and girls”.

According to her, the establishment of this coalition which comprises of women leaders in government, civil society and the private sector has been made possible with support from United Nations women.

“In view of today and tomorrow’s upcoming public hearings, we call on government partners especially members of the State House of Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives to endorse amendments proposed in the constitutional review process”, she stressed.

Csazar explained that, endorsing amendment which would be proposed in the two days constitutional review would increase women’s representation in leadership and pave way for robust and meaningful development in various areas of endeavours across states and the Nation at large.

She stressed that the zonal public hearings presented an invaluable opportunity for all Nigerians to appeal for a national framework that would reflects modern values of true equality and equity.

She therefore appealed for the unbiased representation of groups advocating for a constitution that promotes the full participation of women in political roles.

“This means actively using gender sensitive language in reporting as we seek to see this also reflected in the constitution”, Csazar stressed.

Ime N