Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim,has called on the National Assembly to re-visit the rejected bills on women and gender related issues with a view to passing them into law.
Anyim, while felicitating womenfolk on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day,and their many contributions to nation building,the Presidential aspirant laments the under representation of women in politics and governance in Nigeria.
He regretted that the bill was rejected even though due process was followed. Adding, women inclusion makes room for accelerated progress,and matters of gender balance in governance is one area that must be resolve by deliberate actions and policies.
“As the world stands up for women on this auspicious occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD), I join all men of goodwill in celebrating our women for all they do to maintain the balance of the human society.
“I am sad, that our women in Nigeria, will be observing this year’s International Women’s Day with a deep feeling of disappointment and anger, arising from the rejection of the women/gender related bills at the constitution amendments hearings of the National Assembly last week.
“As a demonstration of our love for, and appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Nigerian women to the peace, progress, development and stability of our country, the National Assembly, as a matter of urgent national importance, needs to revisit the rejected women/gender related bills to give our women the confidence and sense of belonging they require to continue to serve our country and humanity at large, in the manner they have always done.
“I understand that the normal legislative processes were duly followed and the outcome was that the bills did not receive the required number of votes for their passage. However, it is very unfortunate that those bills were rejected.
Anyim noted that,women have an estimated population of over 104 million that is 49.32% of Nigeria’s population,still Nigerian women have only 29 out of the 469 members of the Nigerian National Assembly.
This according to him is grossly inadequate to represent the views and put the voice of the women on the table when dealing with national issues, especially as they affect women and children.
He said, “On matters that are critical to the peace, development and harmony of our country, like giving our women a sense of worth, belonging, confidence and inclusiveness, we must look beyond processes and procedures and take actions and decisions that will engender stability and progress in the society.
“We do not have to wait for women to occupy the National Assembly before we do the right thing.I therefore stoutly stand with Nigerian women on their demand for a more equitable and fair representation in government at all levels.