ABUJA – The House of Representatives, yesterday condemned all forms of discrimination based on gender and female genital mutilation as Nigeria joins the world to mark the International Day for Women.
This followed a motion by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia-PDP), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Moving the motion, Onyejeocha, called for the urgent need to promote gender parity, especially in the work place and also called for a stand against violence and abuse of women and the girl child.
According to the lawmaker, the eighth day of March is set aside annually for the celebration of women and to recognize their rights, the injustices and unique challenges that women face around the world.
She explained that the theme of this year’s event was to promote gender parity so as to ensure that women were given the same opportunity and motivation in the work place.
Onyejeocha expressed concern about statistics shown that there was still a high level of physical and sexual violence against women and girls.
She added that it was still alarming that forced marriages and female genital mutilation were still practiced in the country.
Onyejeocha noted that there had been some improvements in the situation of women in the recent times as evidenced in the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child’s Rights Act, among others.
The lawmaker also said that in spite of efforts to improve the lots of Nigerian women, the reality was that they were still hindered in achieving their full potentials in the work place, at homes and in the society in general.
“The House has always stood on the side of and protected the vulnerable and the weak in the society.
“The House condemn all forms of discrimination based on gender, forced marriages, violence against women and female genital mutilation.
“It pledges its support and encouragement to efforts that are in support of women who are victims of gender based violence;
“The House joins the rest of the world in the celebration of this year’s International Day for Women,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Stella Ngwu (Enugu-PDP), Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs, moved a motion which urged the Parliament to join the rest of the world to commemorate the International Women’s Day.
The motion which came under matters of urgent public importance was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.
Moving the motion Ngwu called on the House to continue to strive towards legislating effectively and ensuring proper implementation of laws and policies related to the elimination of all forms of violence against women.
The House urged the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders to build momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals which seek to empower women socially, culturally, politically and economically.
The House also urged the Federal Government at all levels of government to involve women in governments’ decision and policy making by complying with and possibly surpassing the 35 per cent affirmative action.
Ngwu therefore, urged the House to play glowing tributes to Nigeria Women for their immense and enduring contributions to the development and growth of Nigeria socially, economically, politically and otherwise.
