Women in Plateau State have appealed to the State Lawmakers to take into cognizance issues that has to do with women and girls, especially in appropriation bills in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Barrister Olivia Dazem, Chairperson Gender and Equal Right Opportunities Commission, made the appeal on behalf of the women at the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day as organized by Women for Women International on Thursday in Jos, Plateau State.
While making the demands, Dazem acknowledged and appreciated the Speaker and his team for what they are doing in the state Assembly. She said the passage and subsequent establishment of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Right Opportunities Commission is the product of the Assembly.
“Plateau women still have expectations that all these laws that have been passed, that are gender sensitive, we request of you sir, to also check the level of implementations. Are there gaps? and if the legislatures can also fill in the gaps, we shall also be grateful sir.” She said.
The Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan while celebrating with the women, congratulated them and called on them to exhibit the theme of the celebration with all honesty.
He assured them that the Assembly would continue to make gender supportive laws that will give women sense of belonging. He explained to them that in legislature, there is what they call Executive Bill, which on their own they can develop a bill that have their interest and promised them that the bill will see the light of the day.
“I want to assure you that in budgeting, we would continue to ensure gender sensitive appropriation laws that would give the women the needed financial capacity to meet up all your agitation.” He said.
Mrs Ochanya Fatoki, the Program Manager of Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigeria Society (CWEENS) spoke on the demands of the women in accordance with the theme of this year’s celebration, where she advocated for affordable menstrual hygiene products for women and girls in Plateau State.
She advocated for policy changes that would reduce the cost of menstrual hygiene products and ensure the availability and accessibility to all women and girls, regardless of their socio economic status.
“Menstrual and hygiene management is a fundamental aspect of women’s health and dignity and every woman and girl deserves access to clean and affordable menstrual products.” She added.
The International Women’s Day celebration by the Women for Women which has as its theme ‘INSPIRE INCLUSION: “ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN # Untax My Mentrual Pad” started with a walk from Secretariat bridge junction to Plateau State Specialist Hospital roundabout and ended with a town hall meeting with all the participating groups at Crispan Hotel.
High point of the town hall meeting was the distribution of free menstrual pad to all the participants by the organizers and goodwill messages.
