By Romanus Okoye
Woman leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mrs. Calista Adimachukwu, yesterday said the Senate’s refusal to provide women with 35 per cent of all appointments at federal and state levels and proposal for married women to use their husband’s state of origin for elected and appointed positions is unacceptable.
The woman leader said in this 21st century, discussing gender equality should no longer be an issue. “We can no longer endure being treated as second class citizens in this society. Women have shown in a number of cases that we are capable, even more than most of the male folks. So then, why won’t we be allowed to participate fully in governance just like the male folks?”
According to Mrs. Adimachukwu, socio-political and economic injustice against the women, led to Aba women riot of 1929. “Let’s not forget what led to Aba women riot led by Ikonnia, Mwannedia and Nwugo. It was as a result of socio-political and economic injustice against the women. Our response will be swift this time around because we believe in the 21st century democracy, equal right and justice.”
“What we are asking for is for the right thing to be done. The implication of what they did is that the women will mobilise all the women organisations in Nigeria and make sure that all those who opposed this bill will never smell the National Assembly in the next election. What happened is a minor setback and Nigerians will hear from us soon…”