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Women’s Day: NAWOJ appeals NASS to revisit gender bills

by Editor
written by Editor

The leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has appealed to members of the Federal Legislature to as a matter of urgency, necessity and in the interest of democracy to discard their earlier posture and allow for the gender bills to be re-represented and passed into law.

NAWOJ made the appeal in a press statement signed by its National President, Ladi Bala on the occasion of International Women’s day.

While congratulating Nigerian women on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, Bala noted that though the celebration of the 2022 International Women’s Day would have been one of the best to be celebrated by not just women in Nigeria, but development partners as well as gender activists, if the hope of the Constitution amendment on gender bills had not been dashed by the National Assembly.

According to the statement, “In fact, history would have been made by the 9th Assembly as the legislature that allowed the true definition of democracy to take it roots in Nigeria but the members chose the path of exclusion and discriminatory agenda against Nigerian women and girls.

“The sad and unacceptable rejection of the five gender bills that speak to the issues against women especially discrimination and exclusion from involvement in governance and contribution to nation building is not only shameful, retrogressive but a huge tragedy in the development space of Nigeria and the eye of the global community .

“No nation that excludes more than 50 percent of a segment of its demography can develop as expected.”It is therefore pertinent to appeal to members of the Federal Legislature to as a matter of urgency, necessity and in the interest of the spirit and letters of democracy to discard their earlier posture and allow for the Gender bills to be re-represented and passed into law”, the statement said.

“NAWOJ leadership however called on all Nigerian women to rise and demand from their representatives the fulfilment of the social contract of effective representation they signed.

“It is equally instructive to note that the fight towards ensuring that Nigeria corrects the wrongs requires the support of patriotic men who believe in a better Nigeria.

“Until the Gender bills are reconsidered and passed into law, Nigeria cannot be seen or considered to be a full democratic nation.

“Attaining Gender Equality Today for a sustainable Tomorrow” which is the theme for the 2022 International Women’s Day, will remain an Illusion in Nigeria except a pragmatic approach towards attaining and balancing Gender related issues in the country is adopted and respected by all”, the statement said.

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NAWOJ advocates justice for Hanifa, others

by Editor
written by Editor

The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to rise and speak against ritual killings and sexual abuse in Nigeria.

The Association also demanded justice for victims of ritual killings and sexual abuse in country.

According to a statement signed by the Association’s National President, Ladi Bala, “the kidnap and eventual gruesome murder of five year old-Hanifa Abubakar by her teacher after collecting ransom of six million naira from her parent, is one of the most horrific, barbaric and inhuman evil acts of wickedness recorded in recent times.

“The killing of the innocent Nigerian child by the proprietor of her school, smirks of gross betrayal of trust which the little girl and her parent reposed in the institution and the proprietor.

“This is as NAWOJ notes the increase in cases of killings for money and ritual purposes has assumed a frightening dimension thus, making life unsafe for Nigerians.

“Killings, kidnappings, sexual and gender based violence are taking severe toll on women and girls, who are the soft targets of evil perpetrators.

“The case of Aisha Umar, an IDP, who was lured and raped by an Humanitarian provider that led her to committing suicide in Maiduguri, Borno State as she could not stand the trauma and the brutal murder of the son of a Gender activist, Madam Ene Ede in Abuja recently by yet to be identified murderers, to mention but a few, are all indicators that all is not well in our dear country.

“As mothers, we aver with pains that this is no longer the Nigeria we grew up to know where the care for the younger generation was the responsibility of all adults and the community as a whole.

“As mothers, we appeal to Nigerians to be more vigilant, security conscious as well as report suspicious characters to security agencies.

“NGOs and CSOs must speak out against these evil acts and demand justice for victims of ritual killings and sexual abuse in Nigeria”.

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CrimeNews

NAWOJ calls on FG to strengthen nation’s security architecture

by Editor
written by Editor

The Nigeria Association of Women journalists (NAWOJ) has called on the federal government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to address security challenges in different parts of the nation.

Rising from its National Executive Council Meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the association also called on all security agencies to be alive to their constitutional responsibilities especially in view of the Anambra State governorship election and IPOB sit-at-home order.

NEC noted the deplorable condition of federal roads across the country and appealed to the appropriate authorities to take urgent steps to fix federal roads to avoid increasing road accidents and its attendant consequences.

NEC equally charged the Federal Government to look into the rising cost of food items, cooking gas, building materials with a view to reducing the cost of living for citizens in the country.

NAWOJ also frowned at the rising cases of gender-based violence and stressed the need to ensure the workability of family courts to ensure justice for victims.

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EducationForeignNews

International Day of the Girl Child: NAWOJ makes case for rights, safety, education of girl child

by Tayo Ayanda
written by Tayo Ayanda

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has made a case for the rights, safety and education of the girl child in Nigeria, as governments and organizations around the world come together to mark the 2021 International Day of the Girl Child, which is observed annually on October 11.

According to a statement jointly signed by the President and Secretary of NAWOJ, Ladi Bala and Helen Udofa respectively, “in Nigeria as in other countries, girls face distinct disadvantages for being both young and female. United Nations statistics show that about 129 million girls around the world are out of school with less than 40 per cent of countries providing girls and boys with equal access to education.

“The International Day of the Girl Child is dedicated to the growth of girls around the world and promotes awareness about gender equality as well as focuses on the issues faced by girls worldwide because of their gender. It is an occasion to raise awareness on the obstacles that girls all over the world face and to celebrate and reinforce their achievements.

“Over the years, major issues faced by girls include lack of or low level of education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care and protection from discrimination. They suffer sexual and gender based violence, gender biases, discrimination, subjection to harmful circumstances and forced child marriage, that impede their health, safety, stability, education and other opportunities.

“These reflect the inequality they face in the society.
In Nigeria, factors like ethnicity, religion and disability heighten the existing disadvantages that girls face. From being denied access to education to being forced into child marriage, our girls face a myriad of obstacles that prevent them from realising their full potential. For millions of girls in conflict and crisis areas, these challenges are especially formidable and when women
and girls lack power in their homes and communities, they are inevitably affected more than others in situations as armed conflict, drought, flood or COVID-19.

“The 2021 theme of the International Day of the Girl Child, “Digital generation, Our generation,” focuses on promoting equal opportunity for girls in accessing technologies and bridging the digital divide as it can also widen gender gap.

“According to the United Nations, girls are more likely to be cut off, pointing to a gender divide within the digital divide. The UN also stated that girls are less likely than boys to “use and own devices.” This affects the number of girls in technology-related skills and jobs as the percentage of females among Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates is below 15 per cent in over two-thirds of countries, which is a serious point that needs to be looked into.

“Therefore, on this International Day of the Girl Child, NAWOJ calls on governments at all levels to commit to ensuring opportunities and equality for girls and urges everyone to tackle those persistent barriers against equal opportunities for our girls as well as those that are inimical to the advancement of girls in Nigeria.

“NAWOJ urges governments to ensure every girl child has access to the educational opportunities she requires to build a better life for herself in addition to keeping girls in school, since education is essential to women’s futures.

“We particularly seek targeted investments to facilitate opportunities for girls to safely and meaningfully access, use, lead and design technology even as we advocate for girls’ digital access and inclusion across technology and innovation.

“We urge actions towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination against girls, and an end to those practices that hinder the chances of our girls at education, technology inclusion, healthcare, economic empowerment, rights to inheritance, as well as all forms of sexual and other forms of violence against girls, while survivors of violence should be provided with safe spaces, prompt and free medical attention, counselling and legal assistance.

“NAWOJ strongly believes that providing protection equal opportunities for the girl child, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieving peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. Moreover, it has been shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth. So, ensuring that girls can reach their full potential is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic one as well.

“Investing in the girl child education not only equips girls with skills and knowledge to grow and prosper, it also helps their siblings, family, and the wider community to thrive as well, while they are more likely to support themselves, look after their health, avoid early marriage
and pregnancy and contribute to societal growth.

“Finally, there is need to educate the girl child about their rights, help them make healthy choices, protect them from violence, and teach them to be leaders and able to build a brighter future. There is no gainsaying that when our government and the private sector invest in the education of girls, our communities would be healthier and our economies stronger.”

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CrimeNews

NAWOJ condemns dehumanisation of female corps member by army officer

by Editor
written by Editor

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has condemned in the strongest terms the dehumanisation of a female Corps member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia by a female military officer, Lt Chika Viola Anale at the 13 Brigade Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River state capital.

The association National President, Ladi Bala in a statement signed by her said that “It is appalling that the deliberate act of barbaric infringement on the human right of the NYSC Corps member by a female Army officer did not only negate professional ethics of the Nigerian Army, the act is also disgraceful, unwarranted and an insult on the dignity of womanhood.

“It is disappointing to note that while frantic efforts are being carried out by the government and other critical stakeholders to address the menance of Sexual and gender based violence, a female officer in this 21st century could engage in such an abusive and violent act”, the statement said.

Bala added that the officer’s act is unacceptable ridiculous, provocative and condemnable in every material particular.

She added further that NAWOJ applauds the quick response of the Nigerian Army in wading in to address the unfortunate development as well as condemned the action of its officer which has helped in dousing tension, it is pertinent to call on the military high command to ensure that stringent measures are taken against the Officer to serve as deterrent to others.

“The officer should be made to tender an unreserved public apology to the victim as well as pay compensation for the humiliation the Corps member suffered.

“The investigation of the incident should be hastened and concluded soonest as Nigerians await to hear the outcome.

‘The unfortunate incident must not be allowed to be swept under the carpet”, she said.

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