Ibadan, Oyo State — The ARA Foundation, a non-profit organization advocating for women’s rights and empowerment, joined forces with the Purple Women Foundation and other women’s organizations to stage a peaceful protest in Oyo State. The protest condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
Men and women gathered in solidarity, carrying placards and banners demanding justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. She was suspended for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny.
The protesters marched through major streets in Ibadan, calling on the Nigerian Senate to:
1. Reverse the suspension and allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to continue her important work in the Senate.
2. Conduct an independent investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment and misogyny.
3. Address the culture of silence and intimidation that perpetuates harassment and misogyny in the Senate.
Princess Aderonke Adedoja, representing the ARA Foundation, emphasized that the suspension was a blatant attempt to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and dismiss her claims without due process.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity,” Princess Adedoja said. “It sends a disturbing message about the Senate’s attitude towards women’s rights and its commitment to protecting its members from harassment and intimidation.”
The protest was peaceful, with participants chanting slogans and singing songs advocating for women’s rights and an end to sexual harassment and misogyny.
The United Nations has implemented affirmative action policies to promote gender equality and empower women worldwide. Countries like:
Rwanda, 61.3% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies are held by women, making it the country with the highest proportion of female parliamentarians in the world.
Cuba, 53.2% of seats in the National Assembly of People’s Power are held by women.
Bolivia, 53.1% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies are held by women.
Sweden, 46.4% of seats in the Riksdag are held by women.
-New Zealand, 40.8% of seats in the House of Representatives are held by women.
These countries demonstrate that achieving gender parity in politics is possible with concerted efforts and policies that promote women’s empowerment and participation.
The ARA Foundation, Purple Women Foundation, and other supporting organizations urge the Nigerian government to:
1. Promote gender equality in politics and ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
2. Enact laws and policies that protect women from harassment and intimidation, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
3. Support women’s empowerment programs that educate and equip women with the skills and resources needed to participate in politics and leadership positions.
The organizations demand justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and call for an end to sexual harassment and misogyny in all spheres of life.
