Women's Day: DELCOF Condemns National Assembly On Rejection of 35% Affirmative Action for Women

Women's Day: DELCOF Condemns National Assembly On

Rejection of 35% Affirmative Action for Women

Delta State Civil Society Organization Forum (DELCOF)  have condemned the National Assembly for rejecting the Bills that will promote the participation of Women in politics particularly the 35% Affirmative Action.

In a statement made available to Focalpoint Reports in Delta State, the Public relations officer of the umbrella body of non-state actors with over 200 civil society organizations in Delta State, Dr.  Kenneth Edun on Tuesday March 8, 2022 made their position known during the commemoration of the international women’s day;

DELCOF joined millions of Nigerians to commended the resilience of women in promoting unity, love and good governance in the society, urging them not to be discouraged on the rejection of the women focused Bill but rather use it as a necessary tonic to take their rightful place in Nigeria politics.

The pioneer chairman of DELCOF, Dr. Agboro Andrew said the Forum is proud to be part of the growing international movement of advocacy and support for women and recognized the achievements – and honour the struggles – of all women on a global scale as they work together tirelessly promoting oneness and strive to grow societal development and nation’s economy. 

 

Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Bridget Affiah, thanked all those who were at the occasion to commemorate with women stating that support for women is support for development and peaceful coexistence because women promote peace and unity. 

 

While recognizing the laudable role of women Dr. Agboro DELCOF chairman said, the group advocate for concerted efforts towards the promotion of women equality and empowerment in the country to foster sustainable development. He also criticized the turning down by the National Assembly of the bill seeking to promote women’s interest, and further called on women not to be discouraged in the rejection of the women focused bill. “Entitled,” A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Special Seats for Women at the National and State Houses of Assembly”. Eight-one lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, while 208 voted against it and 13 members abstained from voting

 

 

While speaking Chief Sherriff Mulade, Convener of DELCOF said; the bill is well intended to create additional special seats for Women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly,” If passed into law (Will create an additional 34 seats in the Senate and 74 seats in the House of Representatives). 

 

 

Dr Agboro Andrew chairman of the Delta State Civil Society Forum said; The Electoral System in Nigeria has not been fair to women. He also said that rejection of bills of this nature contributes to women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s legislature. While making reference to state deficiencies Dr. Agboro Andrew said, “Nigeria is considered the worst performer in the West African Region when looking at the representation of women in parliament and the second-worst after Eritrea in the whole of the African Continent. 

 

 

Dr Kenneth Edun Public Relation Officer of the forum said: It is utterly disgraceful that some 12 years after it was first introduced, the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill has failed to scale through at the National Assembly during the latest attempt get the bill passed.  

 

While speaking Mrs Francisca Davies executive member of the group lamented to the fact that Nigeria is signatory to several international treaties and conventions, including the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women ratified in 1985; and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, better known as the Maputo Protocol; an international human rights instrument established by the African Union guaranteeing comprehensive rights to women, including the right to participate in the political process, to social and political equality with men.

 

Pastor Edewor Egedegbe executive member of the board said: Even as we commemorate this day “Records show that the presence of the few women in the National Assembly led to the proposition of critical actions to promote affirmative action and equal opportunities for women. The low number of women in the Assembly is a factor for the lack of support or push for the bills. In a space where voting numbers matter, the numerical presence of women is key. 

 

Responding to the demands of the women, Chief Monday Itoghor, a BOT member said: “Everywhere in the world, the percentage of women in parliament is ascertained and Nigeria cannot be left behind. Despite the inclusion of some critical issues in the proposed bill like prohibition of violence against women and maltreatment of widows; married women’s right to acquisition and ownership of properties; discrimination against women in education and employment; rights and protection of the welfare of children after their father’s death etc.; issues of women representation in pollical offices should be highly prioritized.

 

Dr. Omawumi Urhobo said, everyone should lend their voices in calling on the National Assembly to reconsider its decision and take proactive and affirmative action in providing more opportunities for women to participate in politics, governance and all spheres of human endeavor. Gender Equality for Sustainable tomorrow did not only identify the vital role of women in sustainable development, “But also signifies the role of women as mothers, sisters and daughters in engineering sustainable development.

 

Highlight of the occasion was pledge by members present to support right to women in governance and development and general group photograph.

Signed

Agboro Andrew(PhD)                                                                   

Chairman DELCOF                                                             

Executive Director

One Love Community Development

Dr Kenneth Edun

Public Relations Officer