Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Deputy Speaker of Edo House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Oligbi-Edeko has made case for the reintroduction and passage of the five gender bills earlier jettisoned by the 9th National Assembly.
Oligbi-Edeko made the call in a congratulating message to commemorate the 2024 Women’s Day in Benin,
The five gender bills include, a bill to provide special seats for women at the national assembly and affirmative action for women in political party administration.
Others are 35 percent of executive positions, the bill seeking to grant citizenship to foreign-born husbands of a Nigerian woman and a bill on married women indigenship.
She noted that the bills seek to increase women representation in party politics and in governance.
The deputy Speaker added that, the number of women in leadership, elective and appointive positions in the country was disheartening despite their population and knowledge.
Oligbi-Edeko is representing the industrious people of Esan North-East constituency 11 on the floor of the Edo state House of Assembly.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8.
It is a global day for acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calling on critical stakeholders to accelerate the development of women to close the Gender gap.
This year’s IWD celebration has its theme, investing in women, accelerate progress.
Speaking further, Oligbi-Edeko appealed to government, international organisations, Religious and traditional leaders, political parties and the media to inspire inclusion of women in the governance by supporting gender inclusive laws.
“We are coming back with the five Gender bills, we appeal for support from the presidency, wife of the president, governor’s wives and forum of Parliamentarians.
“The international women’s day is a special day to celebrate women globally. I therefore join the world to celebrate women in Esan North-East Local government area, Edo State and the entire Nation.
“While I encourage all women to promote peace, I equally enjoin professional women to push for increased and meaningful participation in politics so that they can make enduring impacts,”she said.
According to her, the world will be a better place if both men and women join hands together to manage our country.