Coalition urges Federal Government to end harmful practices against women

A coalition of women non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the aegis of Women in PACFaH@Scale has urged the Federal Government to end harmful traditional practices such as early marriage, gender-based violence, illiteracy and negligence of women with special needs and other barriers militating against gender equality in the country.

It also urged the National Assembly to legalise the 35 affirmative actions for women’s involvement and inclusion in governance, just as state governments were implored to ensure that females get six-month maternity leave with full pay.

Addressing a press conference to mark the 2020 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Abuja, the president, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Dr. Gloria Larabai Shoda, who spoke on behalf of the group, lamented that the sex had had poor representation in leadership positions, including boards.

She noted that if these barriers were addressed by fully funding, implementing and ensuring accountability, every Nigerian woman would have access to affordable and qualitative healthcare.

Shoda added that women’s health nationwide would improve if the three tiers of government muster the political will to implement recommendations proposed by the coalition.

Her words: “We commend the federal, states and local governments in the country for investing in the health sector despite the competing challenges for resources from other sectors. Having said this, let me say that women in PACFaH@Scale, are calling on the three tiers of government to fund, implement and ensure accountability of programmes to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) – Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. This is an important goal for us to achieve.”

According to Shoda, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental human rights to their independence and well-being.

The NCWS boss pointed out that maternal mortality, adolescent pregnancy and access to sexual and reproductive health were some of the important aspects of women’s health that have an impact on development.

She disclosed that in Nigeria, the maternal mortality ratio for seven years prior to the 2018 NDHS was 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

However, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has praised Nigerian women for their achievements in various spheres of life.

The goodwill message was contained in a statement issued yesterday by its president, Paul Usoro (SAN).

The body hailed its female members for serving diligently on the Bench.

Also, chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), Ilorin chapter, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babatunde, called on government and well-meaning Nigerians to promote equal opportunities for women and men.

She also advocated that girls should be encouraged to take careers in sciences, technology and engineering as part of the strategies to close the gender gap.

Also, the Nasiru Lahi-l- Fatih Society (NASFAT) canvassed gender equality.

Speaking at a public lecture to commemorate this year’s IWD in Lagos, the group’s Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, stressed that a conducive environment would allow the sex nurture their children effectively.