The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a revised National Gender Policy to promote gender equality, good governance and accountability across the three tiers of government in the country.
This is coming after the National Assembly had rejected a Bill that sought to create special seats for women in the national and state assemblies.
The lawmakers also voted against a Bill which seeks provision for affirmative action for women in political parties’ administration.
But this week’s Council meeting, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, in Abuja on Wednesday, gave Nigerian women what could be described as a ray of hope.
Briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, said the policy represents a set of minimum standards expected of Nigerian government to meet its mandate for gender equality, good governance, accountability and being socially responsive to the needs of its vulnerable group.
She said: “Today, the Ministry of Women Affairs presented a memo on the national gender policy to the Federal Executive Council. This memo is a revised national gender policy 2021 – 2026.
“It represents a set of minimum standards expected of Nigerian government to meet its mandate for gender equality, good governance, accountability and being socially responsive to the needs of its vulnerable group.
“Equity remains the foundation of the core principles of agenda 2030 which says ‘Leave no one behind’.
“I want to put on record that Mr. President has done so much to support women through numerous pro-woman projects.
“This memo today that has been approved by council has gone again to clearly state the fact that Mr. President is committed to make a difference as far as women issues are concerned.
“This has also come at the right time. I’m sure you’re all aware that the whole month of March is set aside by the international community to United Nations to celebrate activities that concern women and women’s contribution towards national development.’’
The minister used the opportunity to thank Mr President on behalf of all Nigerian women for ensuring the approval of the policy “at this time as we celebrate the International Women’s Day.’’
