Presidential candidate vows to end violence against women

dimeji akinloye

March 19, 2015 7:13 PM

The presidential candidate has reiterated his administration's resolve, if elected, to have zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. He pledged to actively involve women in governance.

The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Muhammudu Buhari, has assured Nigerian women a better future and the resolve of his administration, if elected, to actively involve them in governance at all levels and to not tolerate violence again women.

The former military president noted this in Lagos on Thursday, March 19, at town hall meetings attended by women, artisans and tradesmen.

He said he will implement the 2005 National Gender Policy that gender becomes a component of the federal character which is considered during government appointments.

“My administration will have zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. We will provide women with greater legal protection from all forms of violence and sexual harassment, and there will be a commitment to the implementation of all existing legislation on violence against women.

“My vision is for my daughters, and your daughters, to enjoy a world in which discrimination will be a thing of the distant past. It might be a long journey, but with your support and votes, we will be on the right path together. Nigerian women have been promised so much for so long,” Buhari promised.

The APC presidential flag bearer also emphasised that the party has 11 agenda for women, noting that gender will be mainstreamed throughout all the government’s commitments in fundamental areas like the economy, education, health, security, good governance, power, agriculture and other areas of national development.

He assured every Nigerian woman that he will ensure the; “Implementation of the 2005 National Gender Policy, which serves as a roadmap for the promotion of women’s empowerment and gender equality in Nigeria. So far, there has been no political will to implement this very critical framework.

“Promotion of anti-discrimination legislations and policies to afford women equality and equity, especially in employment, education, housing and entrepreneurship. We shall commit ourselves to merit-based Affirmative Actions to level the playing field for women, and provide them with opportunities to be part of decision-making and governance at all levels."

dimeji akinloye