NLC Committee Seeks End To Violence Against Women

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State council Women Committee, has advocated an end to violence against women in the society.

The Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress Women Committee, Comrade (Mrs) Edna Onwuasoanya made the call during the 2013 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Labour House, Port Harcourt.

She said International Women’s Day had been observed since the early 1990s, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrial capitalist world that saw booming population growth and the rise of the radical ideologies.

Comrade Onwuasoanya said the period witnessed great unrest and critical debate in relationship to women’s oppression and inequality stressing that the situation pushed women to become more vocal and active in campaign for change.

The Labour Leader said International Women’s Day has grown from strength to strength to coordinate efforts for women rights and participation in social, political and economic processes.

She said the annual event was to honour women advanced and continued to serve as a reminder of vigilance action required to ensure that women equally gained and maintained in all aspects of women’s life.

She said there have been great improvements resulting in many women being in positions of authority.

The labour leader said the International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extra ordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

She further said the story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all women.

She said in this year’s celebration, the United Nations declares it as “a promise is a promise: time for action to end violence against women.”

She said the NLC Women Committee rather has chosen the 2013 theme for the year’s International Women’s Day celebration: “The Gender Agenda Gaining Momentum.”

Also, the NLC national women leader has called on the federal government to expedite action towards full actualization of the 35 per cent affirmative action at all levels of governments in the country.

The National Chairperson, Nigerian Labour Congress, Women Committee, Mrs Doris Nnaji made the call Wednesday in Port Harcourt at the 2013 International Women’s Day celebration.

The women leader who commended the acceptance of the Nigerian authorities to adopt the demand of women in the world regrets that the action is not fully adopted and appealed that the 35 per cent affirmative action should be reflected in political appointments and elective positions at the three tiers of governments in Nigeria.

Mrs Nanji explained the critical roles of women in Nation building and said when the action is full actualised, the women would have a sense of belonging that would  impact positively in the affairs of the country.

She also urged the National Assembly to initiate a legislation against maltreatment of women in Nigeria, saying women should be seen beyond the periscope of some males who believe that beating of women is their natural role.

She described women as a precious species. The NLC Vice Chairperson, who was special guest at the event wants Nigerians to emulate advanced countries of the world where women are given equal opportunity in the scheme of things.

Philip Okparaji/ Chris Oluoh