Gender equality bills contradicts Islam, Northern cultures -N’Senators

By Abubakar Yunusa

Northern senators, on Wednesday kicked against a proposed law for women empowerment in Nigeria, saying its content contradicts Islam and northern cultural values.

Senator Abiodun Olujimi of Ekiti has been pushing to get the bill through the parliament since 2016, but some senators have raised different concerns to get the bill shut down or at least returned to the initial stages.

Mrs Olujimi said the bill will “allow for the prohibition of all forms of discrimination against women and provide for the equality of all persons,” including people of determination in the society.

But some northern senators said the bill was not properly worded, especially its title that seeks equality rather than equity; while arguing strongly that it would contravene the tenets of Islam.