Michelles Youth Initiative for Sustainable Development (MYISD), a Non-Government Organisation, has urged women to actively participate more in governance.
Mimi Peters, the President of the group, gave the advice on Friday in Abuja during an event organised by the group to mark the International Women Day (IWD).
Peters said women needed to pursue their vision and dreams passionately irrespective of their individual challenges.
According to her, the theme of the 2021 IWD “choose to challenge’’ was timely as the country was in dire need of a positive attitude and commitment to be accountable in all engagements.
She also sounded a warning to those engaging in molesting and victimising women, gave all violators of women red card, saying it would not business as usual.
She, therefore, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the legislatures to pass into law and declare March 8 as public holiday as obtained in other countries.
Meanwhile, Temitope Lamidi, President, West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) and President of the Gender Equality Advocacy & Development Inititive (GEADI) called for the domestication of the VAPP act in states that are yet to do so.
Violence Against Person (Prohibition) act also known as the VAPP.
She said, even states that have done so, should ensure prosecution are carried out on offenders.
“For instance in Kaduna state, after the law of castration for rapist was made, we have not really been hearing reports of people that have been castrated.
“ Again in Jagawa State, the governor said rapist will be punished with death by hanging and their names will be announced on radio.
“Well, we still are yet to record a celebrated case regarding that pronouncement.
“It is this lack of will power to prosecute that actually emboldens rapist and rape apologist.
“We want a narrative where the government and relevant agencies regarding this issue will be a legal paradise for both abused women and girls. What we have right now, can be a lot better.
“ I must say the launch of the barometer to track rape offenders which took place March 10 in the FCT is a great milestone, ‘’ she said.
Lamidi called on women to become active participants in politics to push for bills that will be in their favour.
MYISD is a group established to mobilise women and youth towards self-realisation and capacity development. (NAN)
