TheCable

OXFAM Nigeria, a non-profit organisation, has asked for a gender-inclusive government at all levels of power in the country.

The organisation made the call at an event to mark the 2019 international women’s day in Abuja on Monday.

In his remarks, Contant Tchona, OXFAM country director in Nigeria, also called for the implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action for women.

”We need to focus on gender-equal government at all levels across Nigeria; at the local government, state including the house of assemblies, and the federal levels including the appointive and elective positions,” he said.

“We can’t do this without addressing the political parties especially the major parties. We can’t get this done without reminding everyone of the 35% affirmative action which we now recommend should be made a law so that Africa’s most populous country and largest democracy can begin to emulate other countries in Africa such Rwanda, Senegal and south Africa in gender representation in government.”

Tunde Aremu, policy, research and influencing manager at Plan International, Nigeria, asked women to begin to look inwards and come up with a political party that will carter solely for their rights.

”Our women must look inward and come up with a political party that will champion the rights and interest of women and begin to contest election on the platform of such political party,” he said.

Below are pictures from the event:

Contant Tchona, Country Director, OXFAM Nigeria