BENIN CITY – A Non Governmental Organisation, the Echoes of Women in Africa Initiative (ECOWA), has called on the federal government to ensure the safety and security of women during the upcoming general elections.
Executive Director of the women group, Louisa Ono-Eihomun, made the call at a rally organized in Benin City to commemorate the International Women’s Day celebration.
Ono-Ehiomun said “Nigeria women need safe and secured atmosphere to develop and perform their civic duties in the upcoming general election.
“That is why we are calling on government and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of the Nigeria women,” she said.
According to her, we are calling on government to also ensure that perpetrators of violence against women are brought to book.
“Violence against women in Nigeria has continued from murder to domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, kidnapping, trafficking and acid bath among others,” she added.
She also called on the government to put in place, a robust system to prevent all violence against women and girls, adding that “We are also using this women’s day celebration to demand for the passage of the Violence Against Women and Persons Prohibition Bill” which is before the National Assembly.”
While calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain committed to the March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections dates, she said further postponement could lead to violence.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Benin City, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon who received the women in Government House urged them to continue to match for peace and development, while promising to take the massage of the women to the governor.
The International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8 with the theme ‘Make it Happen.”