Following the rise in the tempo of political activities ahead of the 2023 general elections, advocates of women’s right in politics and economy have suggested practical ways to ensure the implementation of the court ruling on 35 percent affirmative action.
They spoke at a virtual meeting hosted by the 100 Women Lobby Group in Abuja with the theme ‘Making the 35% Affirmative Action a Reality’.
Driven by civil society experts, the discussions were nothing short of firsthand experiences and reliable solutions from some of Nigeria’s foremost women activists.
National Coordinator of the 100WLG, Felicia Onibon, in her opening remarks, stated that the conversation on inclusion in governance will be decidedly inconclusive without analysing the fact that women are not given adequate opportunities to respond effectively in Nigeria.
Citing the recent lobbying and protest activities that took place at the National Assembly for the passage of the five gender bills hitherto rejected by the lawmakers, she said it was important to lend voices to improve the efforts made for women’s development.
The President, Women in Politics Forum, Barr. Ebere Ifendu, noted that several ministerial appointees that indicated interest in running for elective offices next year had resigned from their positions before the just concluded party primaries.
She, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to replace the empty positions with women to demonstrate the government’s obedience to the 35 percent Affirmative Action judgment by Justice Donatus Okorowo in favour of women.
“We have sent a letter to the President informing him that women should replace the men as enforcement of the judgement is very important. The President as a matter of urgency must enforce the law as women’s groups will hold him accountable,” Ifendu stated.
