Implement Maputo Protocol To Protect Women Rights – Coalition To FG

The Federal Government has been urged to domesticate and implement the Maputo Protocol which seeks to protect the rights of women in Africa.

The spokesperson for the coalition for the domestication of the Maputo Protocol, Ms Amina Susanna-Agbaje who gave the advise in Abuja at a joint media conference said lack of legislation made it difficult to implement the protocol.

Ms Susanna-Agbaje explained that non implementation of this protocol in which Nigeria was among the Forty four countries that signed the protocol poses challenges to the development of women in the country.

According to her, implementing the protocol would increase women participation in decision making processes and assist in enhancing reproductive health and rights of rural women.

Also speaking, a former chairperson of FIDA, Imo State, Ndidi Val-Okeoma stressed the need for government at all levels to consider women in the disbursement of fuel subsidy removal packages.

Ndidi Val-Okeoma stressed that the coalition would continue to work with stakeholders to eradicate all forms of violence against women and protect rights of women with disabilities amongst others.

The conference with the theme: Maputo at 20: Advancing the rights of women; Nigeria’s journey with the Maputo Protocol has over ten organizations committed to working to overcome the obstacles ahead and fostering a Society where women’s rights are respected, protected and enhanced in every sphere of life.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji