PRESS STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Women’s participation in politics is integral to the social, political, and economic development of any society. Gender equality in political participation speaks volumes of the consciousness of a nation in promoting women’s rights and inclusion for peace and development.
On the 1st March 2022, Nigeria’s National Assembly completed the rejection of five (5) proposed Gender Bills including a bill seeking to increase seats for Nigerian women’s participation at the National and State Houses of Assembly.
While the action by the lawmakers is shameful, we applaud the effort of everyone including the ministry of women affairs, women-focused civil society organizations, and all concerned stakeholders and Nigerians that worked and tried to lobby for the adoption of the bill.
As we commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day, BBFORPEACE calls on all civil society organizations and relevant stakeholders to rise to the occasion in applying necessary nonviolent strategies (such as advocacy, awareness, and sensitization) to persuade members of the Nigerian parliament representing communities across the country to represent and support the various bills aimed at promoting gender equality which is crucial for development and progress in Nigeria.
We assert that only the inclusive and meaningful participation of women in politics can ensure sustainable peace and development in the nation.
We call on government at all levels in Nigeria to recommit themselves to the full implementation of the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Building Blocks for Peace Foundation is a youth-led non-governmental organization working on conflict prevention, prevention of violent extremism, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Signed
Amos Oluwatoye
Director for Research and Communication
Building Blocks for Peace Foundation