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Dear Participants,
Just to inform you that the above named bill will
be debated in the next legislative year beginning next week. Component of the
bill include a duty to assist and inform the victim of battery of her legal
rights.
As this is one issue woman generally deals with at
one time or the other in their life cycle, women groups and Human right groups
should combine resources to see that this bill is passed into law.
Also as women, I encourage that we make it our duty
to be aware of our rights and the laws that protect us against exploitation and
injustices. For if we don't know our rights, how can we seek redress. There are
lots of cultural and religious practices that are illegal like female
circumcision, which are still being practiced, either due to ignorance or fear.
we should also learn to be our sister's keeper, by telling our uninformed
sisters about laws, as it relates to their situation. The era of it is not my
business is over. We are all in this together. If one sinks we all sink.
The Nigerian woman is more interested in other
things than be bothered with law or politics. We should find time to at
least read the newspaper or listen to national news to know what is happening
and lend our voices and opinion when the need arises.
It grieves me to see the level of deprivation
prevailing in the Nigerian society. We don't have any right to live in such
abject state. The Good Lord has blessed us with so much material and natural
resources. Nigeria production capacity for crude oil is 2 million barrel per
day. Not to mention the other resources.
I'm concerned and all well meaning individuals
should be, since in all cases women and children bear the brunt. Nigeria Woman
should therefore be encouraged to take an active role in politics, especially at
the grassroot level.
Thank you for the opportunity to contribute in this
conference.
Felicia Aregheore.
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