A non-governmental organisation, the Lady of Africa Empowerment and Advocacy Foundation (LAEAF) has proposed a ’10 Million Woman March’ nationwide, to protest women subjugation and marginalisation in the socio-political and economic spheres of life in Nigeria.
Leading the planned crusade is the organisation’s president and founder, Princess Bukola Fasuyi, who, in a chat with our correspondent, called on “all fellow women of goodwill, means and conscience to come together and join the Lady of Africa Empowerment and Advocacy Foundation’s 10 Million Woman March to move our dear country Nigeria, and by implication, Africa, forward”.
She hinted that the March is billed to hold on October 1 this year, and that in Lagos, which will be its epicentre, the action will be coordinated from five divisions, namely, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland. Ikorodu, Epe, Alimosho and Badagry.
The same process, she added, will be replicated across the capital cities of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Fasuyi averred, saying, “Some women are born to win, some are born to build; some are born to speak out while some are born to be silent but work underground for the good of their immediate family and constituencies”.
She, however, lamented that “this, of course, does not preclude the fact that some women have lived subservient lives or endured hardship and failure”.
“Some have also suffered deprivation, sexual violence and exploitation, slavery, even physical and emotional abuse. But in the midst of all these, one thing binds us all – our womanhood and humanity.
“And this is why we, as women, must all stand together as one and make a statement. To start with, every woman must get their Voter’s Card and make a statement with it on every election date.
“We will also be using this March to present our demands; all aimed at promoting women’s welfare and wellbeing,” Fasuyi added.
She listed the group’s demands to include:
. That the federal government must make available One Hundred Billion Naira Women Empowerment Funds to be instituted and made available to women across the country.
· That government must establish at least one Special Women Hospital in each state of the federation, to cater to women’s health and wellbeing.
· That government must rescue all abduction/kidnap victims across the country and put in place effective security and policing to forestall future occurrences.
· That government must ensure full implementation of Women Affirmative Action in governance, noting that this will ensure that women get at least 35% representation in governance across board.
Fasuyi stressed that the March would also provide an avenue for participating women from all walks of life to interact and network for business.
“It is for these reasons that all women must embrace this initiative and troop out in millions to make a bold statement, and create a better future for our generation and generations to come,” she prodded.
