By Okuneye Moyosola
The Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN) has urged the federal government to ensure gender balance in government and politics in the country.
The association made the call during a walk from Awolowo road, Ikeja to the Lagos State secretariat, Alauasa in commemoration of the International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “balance for better”.
ANWBN is a coalition of eighteen women business and professional organizations in Nigeria, with a membership of over 920,000 entrepreneurs who are working towards improving sustainable entrepreneurial development among women.
The association also presented charter bill to the Speaker, Lagos State house of assembly, Honorable Mudashiru Obasa.
The seven point agenda charter bill includes; 40% inclusion of women in government, resolve issue of multiple taxation and give specific tax incentive to women in business, stop harassment of women by task force, ease of access to funds for all women, patronage of made in Nigeria goods.
Others are; creation of awareness and implementation of developmental policies and opportunities for women and government, bi-annual interactive engagement with the MDA’s and the government.
Speaking with MMS Plus on the statewide event, the President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Mrs. Mary Hamman noted that women in Nigeria should be recognized in all sectors.
She expressed dissatisfaction over the poor percentage of women in government despite their qualification, noting that were numerous professional women that could perform admirably in governance.
Also speaking at the event, the President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (Lagos state chapter), Dr. Omowunmi Bakare urged women to pay attention to their health amidst achieving success in their various career.
Hon. Mudashiru who was represented by Hon. Adedamola kasumu (Ikeja II) congratulated the women on the International Women’s Day celebration and promised to ensure that a correspondence will be given to the organization.
