Group urges National Assembly to protect rights of women, children

An advocacy group, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy has called on the National Assembly to enact laws that will protect the rights of women and children in the country.The group observed that the National Assembly has so far failed in their responsibility to pass legislation that would protect the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
 
According to its founder and democracy activist, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, getting the Senate and House of Representatives to pass legislation that would protect the rights of women and children has been very challenging for rights advocates.She made the remark at the launch and exclusive book-reading event for “Loud Whispers” written by Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, wife of the Minister of Mine and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi held at Civic Centre, Lagos.
 
Describing the book as a worth companion, Abiola Costello said every man, woman, girl and boy should get it because it could helps them navigate the modern society and the challenges that are inevitable in it and still be at the core, culturally, Nigerian, but modern.

Speaking at the event, Adeleye-Fayemi who noted that all her life she has made women and children issues centre stage, said as a women’s rights activist and equality advocate her worked on gender equality issues for many years have taken her around the world.She however stated that her focused is now on policy advocacy at the national level to ensure there are policies and laws in place to protect the rights of women and girls in the country.
 
She said: “I am very concerned about teaching, sharing and communication with the younger generation, and that is one of the reasons I write my columns and publish this book.”She however stated that she wanted to motivate women with the book and encourage them to rise above challenges in the society.
 
Adeleye-Fayemi said: “They would know that they are not alone, that everyone struggle with issues to do with how we were raised, social life, self esteem and the society perceive women. I believe that women would look around them and realize that they have good role models and aspire to be more themselves”.
 
At the event, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nike Akande described the book as informative and educative.She said: “There were lot of things that were read that I was shocked were happening. But than God we have somebody to bring it to our notice”.
 
Chairman, Elizade Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo who is an uncle to the author described her as very rational, detailed and intelligent writer. Speaking on the increase in rape in the country, especially among the youth, Ade-Ojo noted that it is a fight that government and parents must take up and every body be involved.
 
Dignitaries at the event included Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Former Governor of Ekiti State Niyi Adebayo and his wife, Vice chairman of Famfa Oil, Folorunsho Alakija, former senator, Mrs. Daisy Danjuma, Guardian Publisher, Maiden Ibru, wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Florence Ajumobi, former Lagos first lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Executive Editor of The News and P.M. News Kunle Ajibade, Nollywood stars Joke Silva and Kate Henshaw.