Gombe Women Decry Poor Inclusion in Leadership Roles Since 1999

BY WILLIAM ATTAH, GOMBE – Women in Gombe State have decried the dwindling fortunes of their participation in appointive and elective positions since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999.

Anchoring their grievances on behalf of other women and civil society groups shortly after the Northeast zonal public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 constitution, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Naomi JJ Awak, said the anomalies must be addressed through the fabric that holds the country, which is the Constitution.

Awak said that women want is a constitution that is all inclusive and not skewed to favor one gender over the other.

She further said; “The question on the lips of many women is, what do women really want? Well, my simple response is based on the women’s collective demands, which is, ‘it is time for an inclusive Nigeria’s constitution: the constitution Nigerian women want”.

Awak stressed that women yearn for a Constitution that truly captures all Nigerians irrespective of their gender, adding that the processes and procedures of the Constitution should be inclusive and take cognizance of expectations and concerns of all and ensure people centred legislation.

According to her; “Considering that Nigerians and indeed women yearn for a Constitution that truly represents the preamble; ‘We the people’ represents all Nigerians and recognizing that gender equality is a human right as emphasized in the global Sustainable Development Goals number five.

“This implies that women should enjoy the same status as men so, that they can fully realize their human rights and a meaningful impact on society. As it stands, the Constitution does not adequately afford women this opportunity.

“Women need to be fully represented in the constitution, first by recognizing the use of gender neutral and sensitive language in our constitution.

Masculine languages are gender biased and undermine women and girls’ political participation, which further hinders inclusive governance in Nigeria.

“A Nigerian constitution should correct these male dominant narrative in legal drafting,” she stressed.

Most of the women who spoke to our correspondent, believe that a critical look at Nigeria’s electoral positions show that they are male dominated, despite the fact that the country’s Constitution guarantees the right of every citizen to participate in politics.

They opined that the Constitution recognizes women’s right to vote and be voted for.