By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Nigerian Women in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had expressed great disappointment with members of the National Assembly for voting against the gender equality bill that seeks to reserve 35 percent of political offices for women.
The female folk urged lawmakers to as a matter of urgency revisit the bill which according to them, will bring inclusivity, development, peace and Justice to the country.
National Woman Leader of the leading opposition party, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe made the appeal on Tuesday at the party’s headquarters in Abuja during a World Press Conference to mark the 2022 International Day for Women with the theme: Gender Equality Today for Sustainable Tomorrow – Break the Bias.
The Woman Leader lamented that the lawmakers lost an opportunity to make history by voting against the Gender Bills that seek to achieve gender balancing in both appointive and elective leadership positions in intra-party leadership and administrative positions.
“This unfortunate development could be described as “A Modern-Day Tragedy.” It is retrogressive, moribund, unfortunate and tragic. In fact, it speaks very lowly of our dear country in the comity of nations, especially with the EU Women award coming up shortly.
“It is common knowledge that Women’s inclusiveness in the Socio-Economic and Political activities of any country brings about a robust, sustainable growth and development.
“Women are symbols of peace, progress, stability and unity”.
She said that the ill-fated bill was crafted to end discrimination against women.
“It seeks to entrench equity and inclusiveness, build a society where gender differences are respected and celebrated”.
The PDP women reminded the legislature that they still have another opportunity to reverse themselves.
Some of the demands of the PDP women include:
“The National Assembly should re-present the said Bills for positive reconsideration(s). This is not a sign of weakness. It is rather that of strength.
“The idiosyncrasies against women in the National Assembly, should be jettisoned.
“The National Assembly should adopt the 35% Affirmative Action which is the most acceptable global standard on gender inclusion.
“The expectations of Nigerians on this matter should be met and that is the quick passage of the Gender Equality Bills.
“Gender balance is not solely a women’s issue. Men should be greatly involved in advancing it”.
Prof. Effah-Attoe paid tribute to some women that have made outstanding contributions in their profession including Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Liberian President; President of Tanzania Her Excellency, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Ngozi Okonjo Iweala the head of World Trade Organisation, Chimamanda Adichie, world-class award-winning Writer; Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations among others.
The PDP leader stressed that democracy cannot be inclusive without women and called on every Nigerian to support the bill which is party of the constitution of PDP for an affirmative action for not less than 35% positions reserved for women.
