NGO Urges Religious Leaders to Promote Gender and Equitable Opportunity Bill in Kaduna

A Nigerian non-governmental organization, Zamani Foundation, has called on religious stakeholders, including pastors, imams, and traditionalists, to propagate the Gender and Equitable Opportunity (GEO) bill in Kaduna State.

The appeal was made by the Director General of the Zamani Foundation, Mrs. Talatu Zamani Henry, during a sensitization program titled “Advanced Women’s Political Participation Project in Nigeria,” held on July 12, 2024.

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The GEO bill, which aims to create opportunities for women, children, and youth and prohibit barbaric practices in the state, has yet to be passed into law.

Mrs. Zamani emphasized the significance of targeting religious stakeholders in the sensitization effort, stating, “Everyone listens to their spiritual sources. Hence, we invited religious stakeholders to first come and understand what the GEO bill is all about so they can explain it better to their people. We believe if the spiritual heads of the people understand what this bill is about, it will be easier for the people of the state to embrace it.”

Human rights advocate and gender activist Barrister Sarah Kajere Peters from the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice also urged the state executives and house of assembly to pass the GEO bill into law. According to Barrister Peters, once enacted, the bill would empower citizens to demand justice when their rights are violated. She explained that the bill aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, young boys and girls, and even men.

Minister Ayodele Samuel, a participant in the sensitization program, praised the Zamani Foundation for its efforts in advocating for the rights of women and youth. He assured that religious stakeholders would strive to ensure that the GEO bill is accepted by the citizens of the state.

Watch the full programme here on Procyon TV –