Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President and Presidential hopeful, on Tuesday called for gender equality and women inclusiveness in the country’s leadership circles.
Anyim made the call in a statement he signed, to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), in Abuja.
He regretted what he described as “Exclusion of women in the country’s leadership process“ especially at the National Assembly, in spite of the teeming population of women in the country.
“I am sad, that our women in Nigeria will be observing this year’s International Women Day with a deep feeling of disappointment and anger arising from rejection of the women and gender related bills at the Constitution amendment hearings of the National Assembly last week, “ he said.
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He said it was unfortunate that those bills, critical to the peace, development and harmony of Nigeria, were rejected.
“In 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,” he said.
Anyim decried the disparity at the national Assembly, noting that in spite of an estimated population of more than 104 million, Nigerian women had only 29 out of the 469 members of the Nigerian National Assembly.
“This 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.
“Without inclusiveness, we will not make the desired progress in our efforts at nation building,” Anyim said.
The ex-Senate President further stressed that the matter of gender balance and women inclusiveness in governance was one area that must be resolved by deliberate actions and policies.
“I therefore stoutly stand with Nigerian women on their demand for a more equitable and fair representation in government at all levels.“
Anyim, who expressed his love for gender equality, urged the National Assembly to revisit the rejected gender equality bill in appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Nigerian women to the peace, progress, development and stability of Nigeria.
“As a matter of urgency, national importance, the National Assembly needs to revisit the rejected women/gender related bills to give our women the confidence.
“And in addition, the sense of belonging they require to continue to serve our country and humanity at large in the manner they have always done.
“We do not have to wait for women to occupy the National Assembly before we do the right thing, “
Anyim re-echoed the level of patriotism and the important roles Nigerian women often played to stabilise the country for development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that every March 8, has been set aside to commemorate International Women’s Day, and this year`s theme is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow“. (NAN)
