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The Gender Equality Bill may have been shot down by the Senate but sponsors and supporters of the Bill are not backing down in spite of the disappointment. they are making moves to represent the Bill and have it passed.
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District is one of parliamentarians insisting that the Senator Biodun Olujinmi-sponsored Bill must go through.
The senator who is Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs said:
“I am prepared to work with Sen. Olujinmi to lobby and ensure we can reach a consensus so that we re-present and can pass this Bill”
“As a woman I feel strongly about this Bill. Just last week it was International Women’s Day and the Senate hosted young girls in an effort to increase their participation in governance and politics. We can not let them down now.
On why the Bill did not pass the second reading, Senator Sunmonu said:
“Maybe there were a few sections of the Bill that did not sit well with some senators. Politics is about lobbying, negotiations and compromise, so what we need to do is talk to those who voted against the Bill and find a way to alleviate their concerns.
“It is in the interest of Nigeria ensure that we have this law which protects equality in Nigeria, I am of the opinion that it will complement the Constitution not be at odds with it.”