The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will resist any act of violence against women across the country.
Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at a Campaign Rally with the theme: “Support ILO Convention: Stop Gender Based Violence,’’ organised by the Women’s Wing of the NLC.
Wabba said that any act of violence against any woman was violence against the society.
March 8 is set aside every year as International Women’s Day.
As part of the activities to commemorate the 2018 International Women’s Day, the NLC’s Women Wing had organised the rally to draw attention to numerous challenges bedevilling women, especially at work places.
According to Wabba, we have canvassed for equality between women and men in the past; we are further saying that there should be no discrimination and dichotomy between men and women.
“We should be able to respect our women because of the fact that they are nation builders.
“Therefore, we mark this occasion in furtherance to protecting women against violence because it’s obvious that violence against women have been on the increase.
“We are denouncing violence against women in totality and also saying that we will resist any act of violence against women across Nigeria.
“Because any women that her rights have been violated is a violation against the society at large, ‘’he said.
He said the auspicious occasion was avenue to continue to unite and advance the common course for the advancement of all issues that affects women.
He added that in our country people are trying to make sure that there is no democratic space for trade unions and citizens to exercise the right to freedom.
“In Germany, a country lead by a woman has the largest trade union centre in the world, yet their economy is one of the best.
“So, certainly trade union rights is synonymous with national development.
“So, given the same opportunity to Nigerian women, we are certain they will deliver the best and change the narratives.
“It’s time for us in Nigeria to make sure that women are also placed in appropriate places of authority, ‘’ he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Rita Ogbo, Head of Department, Women and Youth, NLC, said it was disheartening to note that violence against women is the most widespread violation of human rights.
Ogbo said that such violence occurs everywhere in homes, schools, streets and also at work, adding that this violence is often treated with impunity.
“We, therefore, support the ILO Convention on Gender Based Violence for the realisation and protection of women’s right, and increased productivity and dignity at work,‘’ she said.(NAN)
