Senator Betty Apiafi representing Rivers West Senatorial district, has stated that, “International Women’s Day”, should be seen as a time to reflect on how women are fared with a view to improve on their living conditions.
Speaking through a motion, which she sponsored alongside other co-sponsors on Wednesday, Apiafi cautioned against gender biases, while she insisted on the gender parity between men and women in terms of their incomes.
She expressed concern that the margin between men and women was widening by the day, noting that policy makers should strive towards gender equality.
She said: “Gender parity is a statistical measure that compares women and men through their income, education, and work hours among other points.
“It is also important tool for policy makers striving towards gender equality. It is important to note that the global celebration of ‘International Women’s Day’, is a time for reflection of how far women have come, advocacy for what is still needed and action to continue breaking down barriers limiting gender equality.”
The female lawmaker insisted on removal of barriers between men and women to enable them have capacity to fight natural phenomenal challenges like the coronavirus and the like.
She pointed out those barriers to be social, systemic and political.
“With the pandemic, we now have barrier which include domestic violence, unpaid care duties, unemployment and poverty”, adding that there must be conscious effort to tackle those challenges.
Commending women’s effort across the country, she said: “Women are at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic as health care workers, caregivers, innovators.
“Some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic were women.
“The governments of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, New Zealand, Slovakia have been recognised for the effectiveness of their national response to COVID-19”, she said.
Apiafi called on the 9th National Assembly to challenge gender bias and inequality.
In his remark, Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan had among other prayers indicated that the 9th National Assembly would amend the Nigerian Constitution to include gender parity and to enact laws that will improve the lot of women and girls in Nigeria.
