FIDA Urges Govt To Implement 35% Women Affirmation

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Kano State has called on federal and state governments to ensure the implementation of the National Gender Policy (NDP) to bring on board a greater number of women into governance.

In a statement issued by the association’s chairperson, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman, she charged the governments to maintain the 35 percent affirmative action to give women opportunity to participate in governance.

The statement reads in part, “It’s equally important for all to understand that a woman is the mother who serves as first teacher, best friend, wife and adorable as daughter or sister.

“Women experienced more gender bias than men. Natural language used in the country. Sex segregation in digital technology, capacity building to close the gap of gender base violence.

“Judicial reform is seriously needed to accelerate enhancement on the enjoyment of women’s rights, empowerment and skill in IT for connection, E-commerce, digitalisation, interaction, innovation. Although many women are left out there marginalized. They are denied resources and opportunity especially in education as about 50 percent of women are not educated and they live below the poverty line.

“We are appealing to the men who are our pillars, companions, financial and moral supporters as well our sons and brothers to understand us what we stand for and what we are craving for in life so that life can be a better place for all of us and that with synergy we can be able to lead the generation to come to prosperity.

“It’s important for the government to assist in regulating people’s excess that is leading to online bullying, photoshop to blackmail and intimidate women and hinder their progress digitally. To pass the child protection law, repeal the penal Code that incorporates VAPP law. We crave the indulgence of the government to maintain the 35% affirmative action that would give women a chance to participate in public office.”

FIDA stressed that the role of women in society should not be overlooked, adding that the role of women is to ensure consistency, progress and development in the nation.

According to FIDA, women, particularly mothers, play substantial role in decision making about family, moral training and financial support for the general wellbeing of their family and the society at large.