Committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of women and girls in Nigeria, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) have called on relevant stakeholders to join in its effort to ensure that the country’s democracy is inclusive and equitable.
This call was made as Nigeria marks Democracy Day, June 12. According to the Acting Executive Director, WARDC, Emmanuella Azu, she said, “as we reflect on the progress made since the return to democracy in 1999, WARDC emphasises the need for continued protection and promotion of women’s rights.
“Women in Nigeria still face numerous challenges, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and limited access to education and economic opportunities. We urge the federal government as well as state governments to prioritise the implementation of policies and programmes that address these issues and ensure the full participation of women in all aspects of society.”
She stressed the urgent need for the 10th National Assembly to revisit the five gender bills. “These bills which were rejected by the 9th Assembly stigmatise and raise a huge barrier against women financially, politically, and culturally. They are the bill to provide special seats for women at the National Assembly, 35 percent affirmative action for women in political party administration, expansion of the scope of citizenship by registration so that women can confer citizenship on their non-Nigerian husbands, the bill on indigeneship, and 10 percent affirmative action for women in political appointments.
“These bills, if passed, will provide legal protection for women who are grossly stigmatised by the Nigerian 1999 constitution as amended. A truly democratic country is one where no citizen is stigmatised or deprived of opportunities because of her gender,” she added.
