Speaker Onobun Promises Speedy Consideration Of Women Economic Justice Biil
By Our REPORTER
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun has commended the Echoes of Women in Africa Initiative (ECOWA) for successfully drafting and validating the Women Economic Justice and Empowerment Bill. He said the bill when passed into law, will go a long way in empowering Edo women.
Onobun gave this commendation after receiving a copy of the validated Women Economic Justice and Empowerment Bill from the Executive Director of ECOWA, Ms Kate Duru. According to the Speaker, “the law will give Edo women the capacity to participate in, contribute to and benefit from growth process in ways that recognizes the value of their contributions”.
“This bill is a welcomed development because when passed into law, will give women right to inheritance at place of birth and marriage. It will also give women access to social protection such as pensions, unemployment, benefits and maternity protection”, he said.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of ECOWA, Ms. Kate Duru thanked the Speaker for receiving the group and specially thanked him for showing concern on issues affecting women.
“Every women shall enjoy equitable, consideration, celebration in the work place, diversity and difference”, she said.
Kate Duru said Echos of Women in Africa Initiative is a Non-Governmental Women Human Rights Organisation promoting peace and security and empowerment for African women and girls. Founded in 2011, ECOWA started in Lagos State and since 2012 became operational in Edo State.
“Our work on social justice is recognized by the Edo State Government whom we are duly registered with in relevant MDAs such as the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues now Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs”, she added.
Present at the presentation include: the Commissioner for Finance represented by Ms. Christie Onyonyor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Ifueko Alufohai represented by Izegaeabe Joy and the Commissioner for Youth and Gender Issues represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry, Eseosa Onebamoi.
Also present were members of civil society organization, the media and other women rights group.
