Bill Seeking 35% Affirmative Action to be Re-introduced to Senate

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Stella Oduah has said the bill seeking the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action for women, would soon be reintroduced to the Senate.

She also disclosed that the constitutional amendment to provide for 20 per cent appointive office as ministers and commissioners at state levels would be reintroduced and transmitted to the 36 state houses of assembly.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the recent 2018 International Women’s Day, Oduah, a former Minister of Aviation, lamented that the two bills failed to pass during the last voting exercise on constitutional amendment. Oduah is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs.

“The President of the Senate has made that promise and all senators are in agreement, they have concurred to that. It is the right thing to do, and it is way overdue. The United Nations has made it very clear that when progress and empowerment is anchored on women, then there would be a more progressive society.

“Everybody should press for women to emerge, not just politically but in every way. Therefore all activities that have to do with women, we must make sure that we bring it to the front burner. That should be everybody’s campaign,” Oduah said.

She noted that gender should not be an obstacle for social attainment.
“Gender should not be an obstacle, it has not been and it must not been an obstacle. The glass ceiling has been broken many times and we must make sure we smash it. My message to Nigerian women is that they should keep hope alive, they must participate fully and should not allow themselves to be discouraged by anybody,” she added.
In another development, Oduah also felicitated with Nigerian women on the 2018 mothers days and called for focus and tolerance from them. Describing Nigerian women as a special breed, she urged them to be anchors of national development.

“Happy Mothers’ day to all my sisters, mothers, and daughters. You are indeed the spice of the universe. Women are special breed indeed. God took out a special day to perfect the creation of women,” she said.