The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to the National Assembly to reconsider its stand on the rejected Gender Equality Bills.
Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, the PDP National Women Leader, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day.
Effah-Attoe said that reconsidering the rejected bills by the lawmakers, was not a sign of weakness.
“We see March 1 as a black day in the annals of Nigerian history, when the nation voted against the gender bills that sought to achieve gender balance in appointive and elective positions in the country,” she said.
She said that it was common knowledge that women inclusiveness in socio-economic and political activities helped to ensure a robust, sustainable growth and development.
“This is the direction the world is heading to. This trajectory has been supported by humanistic and scientific researches worldwide.
“Socio-cultural, economic and political achievements of women in the world and in Nigeria in particular, are enormous, women are symbols of peace, progress, stability and unity,” she said.
Effah-Attoe said it was a sad development that the Nigerian legislature would largely vote against women representation in governance and policy making.
“It is retrogressive, moribund, unfortunate and tragic. However, I think that this decision of the National Assembly is not cast in rock. “I have no doubt whatsoever that the pro-women lawmakers on this matter are of the PDP stock.”
The women national leader said majority of Nigerians were not happy about the development.
“It is in the light of this that the Office of the National Woman Leader of the PDP makes these Prayers:
“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 rise of women, does not in anyway, make men fall.
“ The National Assembly should adopt the 35 per cent 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. No Democracy without Gender inclusiveness.”
She urged male senators, lawmakers at the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly to support the Gender Bills in the law-making Chambers.
“All and sundry should support Gender Parity for Sustainable Development.
“Nigerian Women have nothing else to prove that they are credible partners-in-progress in Nigeria’s nation building discourse.
“I will continue to follow the trend of events and will contribute my own humble quota in ensuring that the equation is gotten Right. God will see us through.”
Effah-Attoe said that the theme for the 2022 celebration “Gender Equality today for Sustainable Tomorrow: Break the Bias” was very apt, succinct and challenging.
She described it as a clarion call for both men and women to work together and break the bias against women for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“It seeks to entrench equity and inclusiveness, build a society where Gender differences are respected and celebrated.
“Let us collectively break the bias against women in our dear country, in our work places, in our legislature, executive and Judiciary; break the bias in our homes and schools.”
Mr Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary,, said the party leadership would speak with PDP caucus in the National Assembly to support the course of women. (NAN)
