Women in Gombe State have called for the full representation of women in the constitution, by using gender-neutral and sensitive language in the constitution.
Expressing the views of the women in Gombe, the Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Naomi JJ Awak, said masculine languages were gender biased and undermine women and girls political participation in governance and politics.
Mrs. Awak said the language further hindered inclusive governance in Nigeria, consequently that the Nigerian constitution should correct the male dominant narrative in legal drafting.
Th Commissioners said in Gombe with women stakeholders in attendance at a meeting, which allowed the women to lend their voice after the constitutional review hearing.
They lamented their poor involvement in the position of appointments and elective office since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999.
said the abnormality should be addressed through the constitution, which has held the country together.
Mrs. Awak said it was the collective demands of women to have an all-inclusive Nigerian constitution, pointing out that women yearn for a constitution that truly captured all Nigerians irrespective of their gender.
“The processes and procedures of the constitution should be inclusive and take cognizance of expectations and concerns of all and ensure people-centred legislation. Considering that Nigerians and indeed women yearn for a constitution that truly represents the preamble ‘We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria'”, she emphasized,” said Mrs. Awak.
According to her, gender equality is a human right, which has been emphasized in the global Sustainable Development Goals number five, implying that women should enjoy the same status as men.
“So that they can fully realize their human rights and a meaningful impact on society. As it stands, the constitution does not adequately afford women this opportunity”, she said.
Speaker after speaker of the women said a critical look at the Nigerian electoral positions showed that the male-dominated it, despite the constitutional guarantees of everyone’s right to participate in politics.
They said because the constitution recognized women’s right to vote and be voted, they should be allowed to exercise that too.
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