From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Accountability Lab Nigeria, a Data and Digital Rights Coalition, has advocated the implementation of equal gender policy “informally” pending the legal backing that will, expectedly, come from the National Assembly members.
Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists at a two-day capacity building workshop for officials involved in the development and implementation of the National Gender Policy, that the implementation can be as effective as it would be with the bill on equal gender policy passed.
He said the difference is the fact that the bill if passed into will only makes it a must that equal gender is considered and applied in all engagements, but policy or personal decision on gender inclusion is a practice that must be individually promoted.
He said the National Gender Policy was built around five pillars, hence massive sensitization is required for people, individual and organizations, to study the content of the document and mainstream them into their programmes and policies.
He appealed to members of the National Assembly to revisit the policy with the view to passing the bill, and pushing for presidential assent to the bill, to grant great opportunity for all gender to fulfill potentials.
Ehi Idakwo, Programmes and Learning Manager, Accountability Lab Nigeria, in her remarks, explained that the rationale behind the training was born out of the need to promote Gender equality, equity and social inclusion through the revised National Gender Policy. “This is crucial in helping Nigerians understand the National Gender Policy, as well as translating the policy into actionable strategies.”
She recalled that in March 2022, there were about some bills that bother on citizenship, indigeneship and 35 per cent legislative seats to women as well as reserve 35 per cent political party leadership, were rejected by the National Assembly.
“You will agree with me that gender issues in Nigeria are relegated to the background, and we see an opportunity through this training to create awareness of the National Gender Policy and increase the capacity of participants to actively contribute and implement gender equality initiatives in their various organizations.”
She further disclosed that the workshop was organized in collaboration with the Women’s Right Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), and was sponsored by Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
Mathilda Ovellet, representative of Canadian Funds for Local Initiatives in her remarks, said, with support from the CFLI, Accountability Lab Nigeria, is playing crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the revised National Gender Policy which has emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women to achieve their full potential, which is critical for moving closer to a gender-equal society that benefits everyone.