The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, says the men who killed the bill on special status for women need prayers.
Daily Trust had reported how the National Assembly voted against the bill during the constitution amendment review.
Responding to from State House reporters after announcing that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting had approved a revised national gender policy 2021 – 2026.
The federal lawmakers on Tuesday turned down the bills which sought special parliamentary seats for women in the national and state assemblies and 35 per cent affirmative action for women in political parties’ administration in the proposed amendments to the 1999 constitution.
The minister described the rejection of the proposed legislations as most unfortunate, and a big show of shame that revealed the insensitivity by the male dominated parliament.
She threatened to mobilise Nigerian women to strategise and make a point during the 2023 election.
“We are strategizing with the female members in both houses of National Assembly. And I want to assure you, that Nigeria women will not give up, we will keep pushing until we achieve the affirmative action.
“Other strategies have also been put in place, which I will not disclose now. But we are putting strategies towards the 2023 elections. And we know what to do by the grace of God,” she said.
When asked if the strategies being put in place were to vote against men in 2023, she replied: “We believe in democracy, we believe that everyone has the right to test his popularity by contesting. But again, you will agree with me that women and youths are the greatest voters. And if you negate this huge number of the population of the country that are always consistent to turn in and vote, come rain, come sunshine, then, something will surely happen that would change the narrative, this coming election by the grace of God.”
She, however, urged all Nigerians to pray for the men that killed the bill in the National Assembly.
On the significance of the approved revised national gender policy, Tallen said: “It represents a set of minimum standards expected of Nigerian government to meet its mandate for gender equality, good governance, accountability and being socially responsive to the needs of its vulnerable group.
“Equity remains the foundation of the core principles of agenda 2030 which says ‘Leave no one behind’. I want to put on record that Mr. President has done so much to support women through numerous pro-woman projects. This memo today that has been approved by council has gone again to clearly state the fact that Mr. President is committed to make a difference as far as women issues are concerned.
“This has also come at the right time. I’m sure you are all aware that the whole month of March is set aside by the international community to United Nations to celebrate activities that concern women and women’s contribution towards national development.
“I seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President on behalf of all Nigerian women for this gift of the approval of this memo at this time as we celebrate the International Women’s Day.”
