A FEMALE group on the aegis of Nkata NdiInyom has frowned on the protracted discrimination of people of the South East Zone and called for an immediate end to such practice.
In a statement made available to National Light, titled, ‘Igbo women’s Position on the State of the Nation and Igbo Land for Presidential Delegation’, the group stated that they want sense of belonging and immediate end to discrimination against the zone.
They noted with dismay, deprivation against their men, children and families since the end of the war, even as they stated that most families never felt fully integrated despite the “no victor no vanquish” stance of the federal government.
“Igbo women have borne the brunt of policies which ostensibly aim to encourage national unity but have become in fact, instruments for their exclusion from social economic benefits”.
According to them, Igbo women had limited opportunity in governance but once given the opportunity, have proved their transformational leadership ability.
They noted that the development of any country require the participation of both men and women in equal proportion to accelerate in the developmental processes.
“It is pertinent to note that gender empowerment is not a favour done to women, neither is it just a matter of electoral justice, rather it is actually a matter of social justice”.
The statement signed by Amb Justine Eze, Iyom Josephine Aneni, Prof Joy Ezeilo, Prof Uche Azikwe, Mrs Cordelia Onu and Mrs Uri Ngozichukwuka further stated that Igbo women are no longer happy with the trend but are prepared to work with the men folk towards the betterment of the nation .
They noted with dismay the increasing insecurity challenges and pervasive violence against the women and rural farmers who had been wantonly raped and physically abused by herdsmen.
There has been continuous threat by herdsmen, criminal gangs and destruction of farm’s crops.
“We demand better deal to feel sense of belonging. The ambition of every Igbo woman is tied to better life and situation for their families and immediate communities”.
