Omamuzo Efidhere
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has lamented the non-inclusion of women in the Presidential Task Force and other relevant Committees set up by the Federal Government to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
In a statement signed by its President, Rt. Hon. Dame Dr. Esther Uduehi, (PhD.) she stated that “such Committees are incomplete as long as there are no female members representing the interest of women and children.”
The statement continues, “It is our view that the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, who is sure to bring the female angle to the committee’s plans, policies and decisions, ought to be a member.
“Government’s plan concerning palliative measures will be faulted as long as Women are not fully involved in the planning and delivery of the palliative measures especially when one considers the fact that women and children are more affected by the lock down. We implore the Federal and State Governments to make more women inclusive plans during palliative measures distribution as majority of these women who feed their families on what they sell per day can no longer go out.
“We commend the Legislators who have promised 50% of their Salaries, which we hope include their EMOLUMENTS of course, to help alleviate circumstances, occasioned by COVID -19. Also their donations should not go to a central pool but to their Constituencies. If all Legislators from Local to State and National Level concentrate on their Constituencies, the appropriate responses to the scourge of coronavirus will be easier, accounted for and more effective.
“Finally I call on all Women to continue to pray persistently that God will save the world and get Nigeria out of this situation.”
