Over Hundred Women Groups Occupied the National Assembly on Wednesday protesting the rejection of gender-related bills by lawmakers during the constitution amendment exercise at the plenary.
The Groups express their disappointment at the actions of the 9th National Assembly (NASS) saying they have denied women the opportunity of inclusion and representation in governance by voting against the bills..
The Women Groups drawn from different Organizations gathered at the Gate of the National Assembly in the Nations capital Abuja demanding equal rights with their male counterparts whom over the years they say have dominated the political space.
The protest comes less than 24 hours after theNational Assembly rejected bills seeking greater representation of women in politics, special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly and another to Provide for Affirmative Action for women in political party administration.
Also read: Rep reject bills seeking greater inclusion of women in politics
The women groups therefore demanded that all rejected gender bills be reconsidered, urging lawmakers to vote in favour of the amendments.
Some of the women say the stepping down of the bills by lawmakers deny Nigerian women their rights to democracy.
While Responding Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe assured them that their message will be communicated to the leadership of the Senate.
The proposed gender bills in the 5th Constitution Alteration Bills that were all rejected are Bills targeted at addressing the current gender imbalance across the legislative arm of governments in the country while addressing the under-representation of women in political office.
for all you need to know about the Gender Bill, please watch Gender Agender on AIT with Adaora Onyechere
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
