WELA commends Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo on 35% affirmative action
WELA has praised Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for implementing the 35% affirmative action for women in paramilitary recruitment, promoting gender equality in security and law enforcement sectors.
Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, WELA, has commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over his outstanding leadership in implementing the 35% affirmative action for women in recruitment across the paramilitary services under his ministry.
WELA made this known in a statement signed by its chairperson, Mrs Funmi Falana, adding that the 35% recruitment slots was a vital move towards addressing gender imbalances.
According to WELA, the development would encourage more women to pursue careers in security, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Her words, “The decision to allocate 35% of recruitment slots within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Federal Fire Service, FFS, and Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, is a vital move towards addressing gender imbalances in these critical sectors.
“By prioritising women’s participation in these services, the Ministry of Interior is fostering a more balanced and diverse workforce, which will ultimately enhance the performance and resilience of these agencies.
“WELA is particularly pleased to see this affirmative action take root, following the 2022 Federal High Court judgment in FHC/ABC/CS/1006/2020, presided over by Honourable Justice Donatus Okorowo, which ordered the Nigerian government to implement the National Gender Policy by reserving 35% of public appointments for women.
“The court ruled that the exclusion of women from key appointments amounted to discrimination and violated Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“This judgment reaffirms the need to dismantle barriers to women’s participation in public spheres.
“The Ministry of Interior’s affirmative action policy is a commendable step towards ensuring that women are no longer sidelined in decision-making and nation-building roles. We believe this development will encourage more women to pursue careers in security, law enforcement, and emergency services, strengthening the country’s efforts towards gender parity.
“In light of this significant achievement, WELA urges other ministries and government agencies to follow suit and implement similar policies.
Her words, “The decision to allocate 35% of recruitment slots within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Federal Fire Service, FFS, and Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, is a vital move towards addressing gender imbalances in these critical sectors.
“By prioritising women’s participation in these services, the Ministry of Interior is fostering a more balanced and diverse workforce, which will ultimately enhance the performance and resilience of these agencies.
“WELA is particularly pleased to see this affirmative action take root, following the 2022 Federal High Court judgment in FHC/ABC/CS/1006/2020, presided over by Honourable Justice Donatus Okorowo, which ordered the Nigerian government to implement the National Gender Policy by reserving 35% of public appointments for women.
“The court ruled that the exclusion of women from key appointments amounted to discrimination and violated Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“This judgment reaffirms the need to dismantle barriers to women’s participation in public spheres.
“The Ministry of Interior’s affirmative action policy is a commendable step towards ensuring that women are no longer sidelined in decision-making and nation-building roles. We believe this development will encourage more women to pursue careers in security, law enforcement, and emergency services, strengthening the country’s efforts towards gender parity.
“In light of this significant achievement, WELA urges other ministries and government agencies to follow suit and implement similar policies.
"The success of Nigeria’s development hinges on ensuring that women are not left behind in any sector. By incorporating gender mainstreaming into recruitment, promotion, and capacity-building processes, other ministries can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable public service.
"We believe this will not only advance the cause of women’s rights but also improve governance and service delivery across the country.
“We call on all stakeholders to take proactive steps in promoting gender equality and to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.
“We call on all stakeholders to take proactive steps in promoting gender equality and to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.
"Affirmative action, as demonstrated by the Ministry of Interior, is a necessary and transformative tool in the fight for gender justice.
"It is time for all ministries to recognise the value of women’s contributions and to ensure that
they are adequately represented in leadership and decision-making positions.
“WELA remains committed to advocating for policies that promote gender equality and empower women in all spheres of life. "We will continue to support efforts that create equal opportunities for women and work towards a society where gender is no longer a barrier to success.”
they are adequately represented in leadership and decision-making positions.
“WELA remains committed to advocating for policies that promote gender equality and empower women in all spheres of life. "We will continue to support efforts that create equal opportunities for women and work towards a society where gender is no longer a barrier to success.”
What's Your Reaction?
