Women laments poor inclusion in leadership roles since 1999
Women in Gombe State have lamented the dwindling fortunes of their participation in appointive and elective positions since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999.
Anchoring this grievances on behalf of many women and civil society groups shortly after the Northeast zonal public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 constitution, Mrs Naomi Awak, Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, said these anomalies must be addressed through the fabric that holds the country, which is the constitution.
According to her, all that women want is a constitution that is all inclusive and not skewed to favour one gender over the other.
She said, “The question on the lips of many women is, what do women really want? Well, my simple response is based on the women’s collective demands, which is, it is time for an inclusive Nigeria’s constitution: the constitution Nigerian women want.”
She pointed out that women yearned for a constitution that truly captures all Nigerians irrespective of their gender.
According to her, ” the processes and procedures of the constitution should be inclusive and take cognizance of expectations and concerns of all and ensure people centred legislation. Considering that Nigerians and indeed women yearn for a constitution that truly represents the preamble ‘We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria'”, she emphasized.
She also pointed out that “We the people”, represents all Nigerians and recognizing that gender equality is a human right as emphasized in the global Sustainable Development Goals number five.
” This implies that women should enjoy the same status as men, so that they can fully realize their human rights and a meaningful impact on society. As it stands, the constitution does not adequately afford women this opportunity,” she stated.
“Women need to be fully represented in the constitution, first by recognizing the use of gender neutral and sensitive language in our constitution.
“Masculine languages are gender biased and undermine women and girls political participation, which further hinders inclusive governance in Nigeria. A Nigerian constitution should correct these male dominant narrative in legal drafting,” she added.
Most of the women who spoke to our correspondent are of the believe that a critical look at Nigeria’s electoral positions show that they are male dominated, despite the fact that the country’s constitution guarantees the right of every citizen to participate in politics. They said, “the constitution recognizes women’s right to vote and be voted.”
