BY ISAAC ERANGA
Benin City – Stakeholders from across Edo State gathered in Benin City for a one-day sensitization workshop to press for the passage of the Edo State Women Economic Justice Bill 2022.
The event was convened by the Echoes of Women in Africa Initiative (ECOWA) and the Edo State Women Economic Justice Network, in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and with support from the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET).
The bill, which was submitted to the Edo State House of Assembly in 2022, seeks to establish a legal framework for women’s economic rights, protection, and equal access to economic opportunities.
Although introduced nearly three years ago, the bill is yet to be passed into law, prompting fresh advocacy efforts by civil society and government actors.
In her opening remarks, ECOWA Executive Director Kate Duru said the bill was born out of the urgent need to address the legal gap on women’s economic justice in Nigeria.
She noted that women continue to face systemic barriers to accessing credit, employment, land, and other economic resources, a situation the bill aims to correct.
“Women do not have equal economic rights even here in Edo State. The law will help institutionalize ongoing empowerment efforts by the government,” she said.
Providing context to the initiative, ECOWA Founder Dr. Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese described the bill as the product of a two-year advocacy process involving community dialogues, legal research, and consultations.
She said the workshop aimed not only to raise awareness but also to build the capacity of participants to lobby lawmakers, use digital platforms for civic engagement, and engage effectively with government institutions.
She highlighted ECOWA’s broader work, which includes research, advocacy, legal support for victims of gender-based violence, and the monthly “Encouragers Circle” for vulnerable women including widows and survivors of abuse.
Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Mrs. Bisi Idaomi, said the state government has been proactive in women’s empowerment across all senatorial districts.
She recalled a recent partnership with the federal government that enabled the distribution of equipment worth hundreds of thousands of naira to 500 women to launch small-scale enterprises.
She also spoke about efforts to revitalise vocational centres to support women’s economic self-reliance.
According to her, Governor Monday Okpebholo has given a clear mandate to prioritise the rights and welfare of women.
Representing the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the member representing Esan South East, Hon. Sunny Osezua Ojiezele, reiterated legislative support for the bill.
He described it as consistent with constitutional guarantees of gender equality and human rights. Citing provisions from the 1999 Constitution, including sections on non-discrimination, equal remuneration, and citizenship, he assured participants that the Assembly would give the bill due consideration.
He also explained the process a bill undergoes before passage, encouraging advocates to maintain engagement with lawmakers.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie, was represented by State Counsel and women’s rights advocate, Oduware Patience Asemota, Esq.
She praised the bill as a progressive step towards equity and revealed that the state government has introduced a ₦1 billion soft loan scheme to support market women and female entrepreneurs.
She stressed that economic empowerment is crucial to addressing poverty and gender-based violence, and pledged the Justice Ministry’s support for all initiatives that advance gender justice.
The workshop ended with the formal inauguration of the Edo State Women Economic Justice Network by Chief Mrs. Bisi Idaomi, who urged members to continue mobilising support and engaging stakeholders until the bill is passed into law.
