Senators’, Reps’ vote against gender bills, a modern day tragedy, says PDP woman leader

• …Wants bills re-presented

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

The National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Professor Stella Effah-Attoe, has described voting against gender bills by the federal lawmakers as a modern day tragedy.

Prof. Effah-Attoe, while speaking on behalf of the entire women members of the main opposition party in the country at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, further tagged the 1st of March, 2022, when the lawmakers voted against the Bills, as a black day in the annals of Nigerian history.

Speaking on the theme, “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow: breaking the bias in Nigeria,” the PDP National Woman Leader said that the day the lawmakers voted against the Bills was when the National Assembly in Nigeria failed to make history on one of the critical issues on the nation-building discourse,.

She particularly expressed dismay at the

attitude of the federal legislators by voting against the gender Bills that seek to achieve gender balancing in both appointive and elective leadership positions of the country, Intra-Party leadership and administrative positions.

The event was held as part of activities to commemorate the International Women’s Day which was held globally yesterday.

While chronicling the list of women across the world, who were and are still in the leadership position, Prof. Effah-Attoe, said, “it is therefore, a calamitous situation when in the 21st century, the Nigerian Legislature would largely vote against adequate Women representation in Governance and Policy Making.

“This unfortunate development could be described as ‘A Modern-Day Tragedy.’ It is retrogressive, moribund, unfortunate and tragic.

“In fact, it speaks very lowly of our dear country in the comity of nations, especially with the EU Women award coming up shortly. However, I think that this decision of the National Assembly is not cast in rock.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that the Pro-Women Lawmakers on this matter are of the PDP stock.

“This is not a surprise because the issue of the 35% Affirmative Action is boldly entrenched in the Constitution of the PDP, Chapter 1, Sub Section 7, where it is clearly spelt out that ‘In nomination for Party Offices, not less than 35% shall be reserved for Women.’ 

“PDP has taken the lead in Women’s inclusiveness in Party Politics. We are awaiting the Practical implementation of this Constitutional Provision.

“However, the Legislature should have emulated the PDP, in the first instance, in adopting the 35% Affirmative Action in its Constitutional Amendments. The issue of implementation would have followed thereafter.

“At this juncture, it must be brought to the fore that majority of Nigerians are disappointed, frustrated and feel grossly disrespected by the rejection of the Gender Equality Bills by the National Assembly”, she said.

Prof Effah-Attoe however, prayed that the National Assembly should re-present the said Bills for positive reconsideration(s), adding that this is not a sign of weakness. It is rather that of strength.

Her words, “The idiosyncrasies against Women in the National Assembly, should be jettisoned.

“The rise of women, does not in anyway, make men fall.

“The National Assembly should adopt the 35% Affirmative Action which is the most acceptable global standard on Gender inclusion.

“The expectations of Nigerians on this matter should be met and that is the quick passage of the Gender Equality Bills.

“Gender balance is not solely a women’s issue. Men should be greatly involved in advancing it.

“No Democracy without Gender inclusiveness. Male Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and States Assemblies should support the Gender Bills in the law-making Chambers.

“All and sundry should support  Gender Parity  for Sustainable Development. Nigerian Women have nothing else to prove. They are credible Partners-In-Progress in Nigeria’s Nation Building Discourse,” she said.