United Nations Population Fund Urge Senate to Reconsider the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill

The Gender and Equal Oportunity Bill which was aimed at at promoting equality, development and advancement of all persons in Nigeria as well as promoting women’s freedom of movement, female economic activity and girls’ access to education was presented by Senator Biodun Christine Olujimi representing Ekiti South Senatorial district was rejected by the senate at second reading in March 2016, a decision that generated outrage from Nigerians. Click here to see it

The country representative of United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA in Nigeria, Ratizai Nhdlovu in a press statement in Abuja on Tuesday urged the senate to take another look at the bill, saying that the bill is an additional step by Nigeria in the fulfillment of humanity’s vision to transform the world by 2030.

“Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill deserves another look and adoption by the Senate as a further step by Nigeria towards fulfilling humanity’s vision of transforming the world by 2030 to ensure that all human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality. This vision of gender equality is not new. It is imbedded in the International Bill of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, all of which Nigeria has committed to realising.” Nhdlovu said.

Nhdlovu also said that the bill seeks to promoted equal opportunities for women and girls and would avail them full enjoyment of human rights while it counters socio-cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential.

Source: Today.ng