By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Community Parliament, of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has pledged to support national parliaments, in West Africa evolve legal instruments and policies thet will protect women’s rights and address any form of gener based violence.
The regional Parliament also, applauded important steps being taken by ECOWAS Member States to address gender issues.
Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis made this pledge in a statement to commemorate International Woman’s Day 2023.
He further expressed commitment of the ECOWAS Parliament to playing its rightful role in contributing to regional programs thet address women issues.
According to him, “I am very humbled and pleased to wish, on behalf of the Membership of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States and in my own name, Happy International Women’s Day to all women around the world, especially the women of West Africa.
On March 8 each year, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, a day set aside to shine the spotlight on women’s issues and create awareness for a more incisive, equal and gender sensitive society. The international theme for this year’s observance, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality,’ is carefully crafted to recognize and celebrate women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education”.
The Speaker said that as the world celebrates International Women’s Dey by focusing on the importance of innovation and technology to the campaign for gender equality, the world is reminded of the multiple benefits that can be derived from digitization.
With digitization and technology, he said women can be better informed about all aspects of their lives and acquire basic skills that can lead to economic independence.
“Women and girls can also gain access to online business and learning platforms and, most importantly, they can use the digital space to share their views and network around issues thet affect them, including sexual harassment, gender violence and discrimination in all forms,” he concluded.
