PRESS STATEMENT
Nigeria: Senate advocates gender parity for women
…urges Political Parties to create equal opportunities in elective, appointive positions
The Senate has advocated gender parity as a priority for women in the amendment of the Constitution.
The position of the upper chamber was conveyed on Thursday when it adopted a six-point resolution sequel to the consideration of a motion on the 2020 International Women’s Day with the theme: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights.”
The motion which was sponsored by Senator Betty Apiafi (PDP – Rivers West) was Co-sponsored by eight other female Senators in the Ninth Assembly.
Senator Apiafi, in her motion, said that the International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 annually, and is a day set aside to globally celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
According to the lawmaker, the day seeks to celebrate women’s contributions to society and raise awareness about the fight for gender parity.
She noted that the International Women’s Day was first officially recognized in 1911, and later recognized by the United Nations in 1975.
The lawmaker said in 1975, during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, over 189 countries converged in Beijing, China for the 4th World Conference on Women and signed an action plan tagged “Beijing Declaration.”
According to her, some of the declarations agreed by all governments that participated in the conference included: Advancing the goals of equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of all humanity.
Apiafi, however observed that, “in spite of the Beijing Declaration and 10 year to the end of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality has recorded little growth, most women and girls experience multiple forms of violence at home and in the public sphere.”
She’s lamented that, “underaged and forced marriages are still rampant in our nation, trafficking of women and girls for sexual and other types of exploitation’s are still prevalent.
“Women still have fewer choices of work and are still paid less than their male counterparts. Female representation as agricultural landlords is still very low. Women are not allowed to achieve their full potentials in political, boardroom and executive positions.”
She advised that, “it is incumbent on all Nigerians to work assiduously to ensure that women and children are free from all forms of violence and are placed on a pedestal to attain their full potentials by joining the campaign #EachForEqual.”
The Senate, in its resolutions, while celebrating Nigerian women and girls, urged registered political parties in the country to make it a policy to give women equal opportunities in all elective and appointive positions.
The upper chamber also urged employers of Labour and Corporate Organizations to give women equal opportunities to allow women achieve their true potentials.
In another development, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja hailed the achievements of Nigerian women in different fields of endeavour, urging them to remain steadfast in their chosen vocations and be role models to the younger generation.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina in a statement said the President gave the commendation during an audience with Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, President of the Medical Women’s International Association.
Congratulating Nigerian women on breaking new grounds in the medical field, President Buhari said he was delighted to receive Dr Nwadinobi, the first Nigerian elected as President of the Association in its 100 years of existence.
The President said: ‘‘I am also proud to see and hear about the great achievements of Dr Nwadinobi.
‘‘The story of her career and what she has been able to accomplish thus far is commendable and must be celebrated.
‘‘I take this opportunity to congratulate you, Dr Nwadinobi and all your colleagues on your successes as I pray for many more years of accomplishments.’’
The President recalled that on 8th of March 2020, the whole world celebrated International Women’s Day and reflected on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women universally.
‘‘I will, therefore, ask Dr Nwadinobi and all members of the Medical Women’s International Association to continue to be role models for our younger sisters and daughters.
‘‘With the right encouragement, support and guidance, our womenfolk can equal the achievements of other women elsewhere,’’ he said.
In her remarks, Dr Nwadinobi thanked the President for receiving her along with her team members, noting that with her election, the Association has not only honoured Nigeria, “but also aligned with Your Excellency’s administration in stepping up to the Next Level.”
She said Nigeria now has “the strongest voice in the Medical Women’s International Association, and can also be a strategic and dependable partner in transforming women’s health indices.”
Dr Nwadinobi commended efforts being made by the government to protect Nigerians from the Covid-19, stressing: “Our prayer is that in the same way we set a good example in the handling of Ebola, that we will also overcome and contain the Coronavirus.”
President Buhari was decorated during the event as the Champion of Women in the country.
Femi