Women Groups numbering over hundred has occupied the National Assembly on Wednesday protesting the rejection of gender-related bills by lawmakers during the constitution amendment exercise at the plenary. The Groups express their disappointment at the actions of the 9th National Assembly saying they have denied women the opportunity of inclusion and representation in governance by voting against the bills.
The Women Groups drawn from different Organizations gathered at the Gate of the National Assembly in the Nation’s capital Abuja demanding equal rights with their male counterparts whom over the years they say have dominated the political space. The protest comes less than 24 hours after the National Assembly rejected bills seeking greater representation of women in politics, special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly and another to Provide for Affirmative Action for women in political party administration. The women groups therefore demanded that all rejected gender bills be reconsidered, urging lawmakers to vote in favour of the amendments.