By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has urged the Federal Government to deliver the 35% Affirmative Action on women appointment and representative into appointive positions in the country.
National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala made this call yesterday when she in company of NAWOJ FCT Chairperson Comrade Annah Daniel led members of both the national and FCT executive members and the NAWOJ FCT, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen in her office yesterday in Abuja.
Bala who hinted that that was the first outing by the new executives of the association called for more women in elective positions.
She said, ‘ We ask for more women to be appointed by President Bihari to meet up with the 35% Affirmative action, to appoint more women who are gifted into parastatals. “
“This year more women should be considered and given positions.”
Comrade Bala said that the aim of the visit was to seek a possible collaboration with the ministry in order to fulfill some of the some of the association’s dream which includes launching of the School Enrollment, increased security programme especially for the girl- child in Northern Nigeria and campaign to end violence against the girl- child.
She emphazied that Education and safety of schools are the priorities of NAWOJ.
Dame Tallen who thanked the leadership of NAWOJ for doing a good work for humanity noted that education is the greatest investment especially for the girl child.
She said that low representation of women is a serious problem which means a low voice for women.
“We need to raise the bar to ensure that women are empowered to help their families.’
Meanwhile she lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened the challenges of women who were locked down with their abusers.
Across domestic violence has grown like wildfire, we must educate the public and groom our young boys to protect the girl, she said.
She promised that her ministry is ready to partner with NAWOJ to give advocacy on girl education.
