Group advocates passage of Gender, Equal Opportunity Bill

The UN Women Political Participation Partners Working Group, in conjunction with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has advocated for the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill to enhance women’s participation in politics.

They made the call in Abakaliki during a one-day stakeholder meeting to advocate for the passage of the bill and other gender-responsive legislation, electoral and constitutional reform and a women’s roadmap to the 2027 general election.

The event, which took place at Cirenes Hotel, Abakaliki, witnessed participants selected from all walks of life, including CSOs, leaders of political groups, human rights advocates, political appointees, media, the state Ministry of Women Affairs, and UN Women representatives, among others.

Speaking on strategic advocacy on the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Ebonyi State, Prof. Mariam Mustapha from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies stated that the law, when passed, will provide for equal opportunities for all persons and prohibit all forms of gender-based discrimination and inequalities in Ebonyi State.

Prof. Mustapha explained that the law is made up of seven parts of 46 sections, saying that the provisions of the bill are to protect “our fathers, mothers, daughters, sisters, sons, nieces, nephews and wives from any form of abuse, violence, or discrimination.”

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She also added that the bill, when passed, will make them enjoy life to its fullest in the area of education and decision-making.

In another presentation, Mrs Stella Okechukwu Kalu, while speaking on the activities of the UN-Women Political Participation Partners Working Group in Ebonyi State, stated that the group partners with various political groups and critical stakeholders in the state to champion women’s political participation.

She appreciated Governor Francis Nwifuru for being gender sensitive in his administration, as many women occupied various elective and political positions of trust.

Okechukwu Kalu added that the group has engaged in community participation, August meetings, and capacity building for women, among others, to amplify their voice in politics.