The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ has congratulated Nigerian women on the occasion of the 2022 International Women’s Day IWD.
In a statement, the National President of the Association, Ladi Bala, asserted that the celebration of the 2022 International Women’s Day would have been one of the best to be celebrated by not just women in Nigeria but also development partners, as well as gender activists, if the hope of the constitution amendment on gender bills had not been dashed by the National Assembly.
Bala noted that history would have been made by the 9th Assembly as the legislature that allowed the true definition of democracy to take it roots in Nigeria but the members chose the path of exclusion and discriminatory agenda against Nigerian women and girls.
She said “the sad and unacceptable rejection of the five gender bills that speak to the issues against women, especially discrimination and exclusion from involvement in governance and contribution to nation building is not only shameful and retrogressive but a huge tragedy in the development space of Nigeria and the eye of the global community. No nation that excludes more than 50 percent of a segment of its demography can develop as expected.
“It is therefore pertinent to appeal to members of the federal legislature to, as a matter of urgency, necessity and in the interest of the spirit and letters of democracy, discard their earlier posture and allow for the gender bills to be re-represented and passed into law.”
Effective representation
The NAWOJ President also called on Nigerian women to rise and demand the fulfilment of the social contract of effective representation signed by their representatives, saying it is equally instructive to note that the fight towards ensuring that Nigeria corrects the wrongs requires the support of patriotic men who believe in a better Nigeria.
“Until the gender bills are reconsidered and passed into law, Nigeria cannot be seen or considered to be a full democratic nation. The time to stop gender discrimination and biases is now,” she said.
Bala affirmed that the theme for the 2022 International Women’s Day, which is: “Attaining Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, would remain an illusion in Nigeria except a pragmatic approach towards attaining and balancing gender-related issues in the country is adopted and respected by all.
Nneka Ukachukwu
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