By Agbonkhese Josephine
Women’s groups and activists have expressed concern about what they described as “the extremely low representation of women in appoint-ments by government.”
They contended that the “trend goes against the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination affirmed by the Constitution and other international and regional human rights frameworks that Nigeria has signed.”
In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, the activists cited the recent nomination of 27, Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, for the Independent National Electoral Commi-ssion, INEC, where only one female made the list.
The letter was signed on behalf of over 30 rights groups by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC; Saudatu Mahdi, Women’s Rights Advancement Protection Alternative, WRAPA; and Oby Nwankwo, National Coordinator, Affirmative Action Initiative for Women.
The activists said: “Mr. President sir, we believe there are vacancies that government can still fill with women to achieve some level of equitable representation on the INEC Board.”
They said the National Gender Policy and Vision 20:20 recognise that gender equality is at the heart of equitable development, calling on all state and non-state actors to promote gender equality through their institutional practices and policies.
“Subsequent nominations and appointments in all facets of governance and the economy must abide by the principles of gender balance, fairness and justice for women, youth and persons living with disabilities,” the activists added.
The post Activists petition Buhari over gender imbalance appeared first on Vanguard News.
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