By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
A group popularly known as UN–Women Political Participation Partners Working Group in conjunction with Ebonyi state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has advocated for the passage of Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill to enhance women participation in politics in Ebonyi state.
The made the call in Abakaliki during a one-day stakeholders meeting to advocate for the passage of the Gender Equal Opportunities Bill,and other gender responsive legislation, electoral and constitutional reform and women roadmap to 2027 general election.
The event which took place at Cirenes Hotel, Abakaliki witnessed participants selected from all walks of life, including CSOs,leaders of political groups,Human Right, political appointees,media, state Ministry of Women Affairs,UN Women Representative, among others.
Speaking on Strategic Advocacy on Passage of Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Ebonyi State,Prof.Mrs.Mariam Mustapha from National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies,stated that the law when passed will provide for equal opportunities for all persons and prohibits all forms of gender based discriminations and inequalities in Ebonyi state.
Prof.Mustapha explained that the law is made up of 7 parts of 46 sections, saying that the provisions of the Bill are to protect our fathers, mothers, daughters, sisters,sons,nieces, nephews and wives from any form of abuse, violence, discrimination,etc.
She also added that the Bill when passed, will make them enjoy life in it’s fullest in the area of education and decision making.
In another presentation, Mrs.Stella Okechukwu Kalu, while speaking on the activities of UN–Women Political Participation Partners Working Group in Ebonyi state, and also preparing to inform Electoral and Constitutional Reform Conversations,stated that the group partners with various political groups and critical stakeholders in the state to champion women’s political participation in the state.
She appreciated Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for being Gender sensitive in his administration as many women occupied various elective and political positions of trust, adding that the group has engaged in community participation, August meeting, capacity building for women amongst others to amplify the voice of women in politics.
