2022 International Women’s Day took place on March 8, 2022. OWACDO TEAM made up of Board Members, Management, Staff and Volunteers including other CSO-B in conjunction with the State Ministry of Women Affairs commemorated World International Women’s Day by taking a peaceful walk from Savanna Roundabout through Woodland Park to the Benue State House of Assembly.
The women in one voice registered their dismay with the rejection of the bill by National Assembly to provide for 15% Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration; allowing women indigene-ship of their husbands’ state after five(5) years of being married; creating additional seats for Women in the State and National Assembly; denial of 35% Affirmative Action in appointing positions for women is indicative of bias and intended continued marginalization of women by men in Nigeria. All we want and ask for is equal opportunities, avoid discrimination and stereotypes.
These bills are meant to support the women inclusion in governance. Benue women strongly condemn the discrimination, inequality & inhuman act carried out by the National Assembly. The bill for gender equality was thrown out in 2015, again in 2019 and 2022.
Speakers :
- Dr. Victoria Daaor (CSO-B)
- Barr Prisca Ula (FIDA)
- Hon. Theresa Dewan (NCWSN)
- Barr. Member Adigwve (YWIPF)
- Hon. Atoto Girgi (Commissioner for Women Affairs)
- Elizabeth Torkwase Achagh (Journalist)
The Clerk, Benue State House of Assembly, Barr. Bernard Nule who represented the Speaker, thanked all present for the peaceful protest and said they support the women and that women have a great value to the society, therefore they are respected. He also said that the Benue State House of Assembly is gender friendly and will always welcome any positive complains from the public & women. He promised that all the messages will be relayed to the speaker as soon as he is on seat. He thanked all for the calm conduct.
Once again OWACDO has demonstrated that we are out to change the narrative. Gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow!
#BreakTheBias #IWD2022 #WVL
