NGO Calls for Equal Numbers of Women and Men in Government Roles

An NGO has urged both the federal and state governments to ensure that women and men are equally represented in political positions across Nigeria as part of events marking the 97th anniversary of the historic Aba women’s riot.

During a conference organised by the OFO Educational Foundation, leaders and participants emphasised the need for women to have the same opportunities as men in elective and appointed offices. Over 500 people attended the event, chaired by Professor Chinwe Obaji, Nigeria’s first female Minister of Education.

The organising committee called for the implementation of conference proposals, including producing films and documentaries about the Aba women’s revolt and encouraging annual celebrations of the event across the country and in the diaspora.

The group specifically asked for gender parity in all legislative houses and executive cabinets at the federal, state, and Federal Capital Territory levels, with equal numbers of men and women serving in these roles. They also urged governments in the South-East and South-South regions to build memorials and declare the first Friday in November each year a public holiday in honour of the women’s revolt.