Since the day Gov. Yahaya Bello took office, he has fought for policies that are important for women and has expanded opportunities for all Kogites. He signed major acts like the women and girl child care act, the reauthorization of affordable schools for girl child and zero tolerance to violence Against women and the Say No to Rape acts. He has dramatically expanded equality and women protections. And his administration has systematically encouraged cities and states to embrace policies like girl child education respectively.
Underpinning these actions, the Kogi State Government under Governor Yahaya Bello has spoken out and driven a conversation‎ about treating women fairly in Kogi State, African countries and around the world at large. He has pushed for cultural change that gives women the respect they deserve in homes, schools and in workplaces, and joined advocates in dramatically changing our country’s approach to sexual assault, harassments on campuses and elsewhere. That conversation has spurred changes in cities and states, businesses big and small, schools from early education to higher education.
The Kogi State Council on Women and Girls which the the governor created in the state as soon as he assumed office has played an active and significant roles in working on these issues. The Council is comprised of representatives from each Federal constituency as well as each geopolitical zone, and coordinates efforts across constituencies and departments to ensure that they report back to him and to the effect that the needs of women and girls are taken into full account in all programs, policies, and legislation.
Here is brief look at the progress that has been made under Gov. Bello Administration on issues that affect so many women and girls across the state.
- Girls Right to Education: Many Girls can now affordably go to school hence the enlightenment had been passed across and had reached parents down to the grassroots level
- Appointment of Women into key government position: Many Women are now in government unlike those days when women are not recognized in the scheme of things.
- War against rape and emasculation of the devilish act. Rape has been reduced drastically hence the male folks are reoriented on the implications of such demonic act.
- Provision of Enabling environment for women participation in politics: Now women education are no longer restricted to Kitchen alone, they are actively involve in active politics believing that what men can do, women can as well.
- Gender Equality and let their voice be heard: Women can air their views anytime any day without intimidation.
Making GYB The most Gender Sensitive Governor with recognition from both National and international bodies.
– Abubakar Lawal Jr. writes from Lokoja
