“Don’t Have Any Respect For Women” – Buhari’s Minister Tackles Lawmakers Who Rejected Gender Bills

The Minister of women affairs, Pauline Tallen has taken a swipe at legislators who vote against the gender bills during the constitutional review process in the National Assembly.

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the Minister said the action of the lawmakers clearly shows they have no respect for women.

She however pointed out that her statement was not targeted at all the male members of the National Assembly but those who voted against the gender bills during Tuesday’s plenary.

Naija News reports Tallen spoke against the backdrop of the rejection of gender bills seeking to reserve some political offices exclusively for women during elections.

However, the bill was rejected by the federal lawmakers.

Speaking on the development, the Minister said women though disappointed by the outcome, will continue to engage and strategize on the next line of action.

She said: “It clearly shows that the men that were against the bill don’t have any respect for women; it’s clear. But I am not generalizing; not all the men in the national assembly. We have the figures — 72 men in the house of representatives voted in support of the bill. So, I’m not generalizing.”

“We are saying that for those that don’t believe in it, we will continue to intensify advocacy for them to believe in gender equality and the role that women can play when they are on the decision table to make Nigeria better.

“Other strategies have also been put in place, which I will not disclose now. But we are putting strategies towards the 2023 elections. And we know what to do by the grace of God.”

Tallen however praised the Muhammadu Buhari administration and members of the federal executive council for their commitment to issues about women and national development.

“What happened is unfortunate — on the first day of March which is the month to acknowledge and celebrate women. However, what happened today in council is a big relief, and is a reassurance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, that he believes in women, and that this administration will continue to support all issues that will support women towards national development,” she said.