In commemorating the 20th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa -the Maputo Protocol, Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and Partners West Africa, Nigeria (PWAN) has called the federal government and relevant stakeholders to intensify their efforts in combating gender-based violence and addressing violations of women’s rights.
The Maputo Protocol was adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Maputo, Mozambique, on July 11, 2003 among other things, has provided significant rights to African women and girls and has progressive measures on: gender discrimination, women’s access to justice and equal protection, participation in politics and decision making, reproductive health rights, economic empowerment, harmful trado-cultural practices, women’s digity, peace, and ending violence against women.
In a joint statement issued by the Director, IRIAD Executive Director, Princess Hamman-Obels and PWAN,Kemi Okenyodo in Abuja said the evident patriarchal imbalance within African societies has created a gender gap between men and women of the continent.
According to them, despite these efforts, Nigeria still has a long way to go in achieving gender equity and inclusion. Women play critical roles in the socio-economic and political development of society, yet their contributions are often constrained, limiting their full potential.
They said some Nigerian communities impose restrictions on female education, relegating women to domestic roles adding that the parity of women’s participation and representation in the political and public spheres is abysmal.
They further called on the government and relevant stakeholders to collectively intensify their efforts in combating gender-based violence and violations of women’s rights.
