Senate rejects bill for Prohibition of Violence against Women & gender equality

A bill, titled “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women” seeking to guarantee women equal rights with their male counterparts was Tuesday, rejected by the Senate plenary, when it was presented for consideration.The bill, which was presented for consideration by Senator Biodun Olujimi, PDP, Ekiti South, incur the wrath of senators, mainly from the Northern part of the country, who did not only slam those behind it but also described it as anti-Islam.

But the bill’s sponsor, Senator Olujimi, in her lead debate,explained that its purpose was to permit women to have equal rights with men in marriages,education and employment
She said this had become compelling in view of increasing discrimination against women in education and employment.

The bill also sought to eliminate discrimination against any person irrespective of his gender on any ground including sexual violence against women.
According to Senator Olujimi, gender discrimination often makes women insecure, denies them meaningful employment and exposes them to discrimination and exploitation.
She said if the bill was passed, a widow in Nigeria would automatically become the custodian of her children in the event of the death of her husband, and would also inherit his property.

The deputy senate president, Ike Ekeremadu, supported the bill. He said Nigeria would develop if women were given the same rights men have.
“Only last night, I was going through a document prepared by George Bush of America. Those countries that are doing well are those who give women opportunities,” he said.

The Senate Majority leader, Ali Ndume, criticised the bill, and urged Nigerians to stick with either religious or traditional marriage.
Sani Yerima, a senator from Zamfara state, condemned the bill, arguing that it was in conflict with the Nigerian Constitution.
He said the bill negates the principles of the Sharia law, which the Constitution recognises.
The bill was defeated when the senate president, Bukola Saraki, put it to vote.