Women Urge Speedy Passage of CEDAW Bill

A Coalition of NGOs/civil society Organisations from the Niger Delta, under the auspices of Women Voice Network, (WOVON), has called for the speedy passage and implementation of the CEDAW Bill before the National Assembly which provide for 35% Affirmative Action for women participation in Politics.

The body made the call during a protest in Port Harcourt recently.

Speaking on behalf of the body, the Programme Manager Gender and Development Action (GADA) Deborah Effiong called for the repeal of all laws that bar women from full participation in politics and decision making.

Effiong also called for the “establishment of the principle of gender parity in election and appointment to public offices, adding that “gender machineries should be repositioned and empowered as critical structures for expanding space and opportunities for women in decision making”.

She said  GADA, was working in collaboration with another development NGO, stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) to encourage women in governance not to relent but strive harder towards making their voices heard and their contributions prioritized.

Taneh Beemene