From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as the Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC) has called for a review of laws against cases of gender-based discriminations and violence in the society.
The NAS-PC, in conjunction with gender based advocacy groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State and the Do Foundation, however agreed that despite the needed review, there is the need to address gender-based biases at the home front, noting that perpetrators of gender-based discriminations and violence are often fathers, brothers, and sons.
Cap’n of the Oxbow Marino Deck of NAS-PC, Engr. Adogbeji Egbonoje, stated this while speaking during a statewide radio discussion programme on Radio Bayelsa 97.1 FM, Yenagoa, on this year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment,” stressing that paying attention to how sons are raised and groomed would have a profound impact on how they relate with women as adults.
He emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based biases in the home stead, noting that perpetrators of gender-based discriminations and violence are often fathers, brothers, and sons.
He stressed that paying attention to how sons are raised and groomed would have a profound impact on how they relate with women as adults.
He also highlighted the significance of cultivating the mind of the girl child from infancy, instilling confidence in young girls as they venture into the world as adults,” This, he believed, would empower them to withstand negative peer pressures and chart their paths in life.”
Also speaking on the radio discussion programme, the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Barr. Ebiere Emmanuella and the former chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry also shared expert insights on the historical context of International Women’s Day, progress made in gender equality, and the importance of education and policy changes in addressing systemic barriers.
The two legal experts pointed out the roles of organizations like FIDA and the NBA in supporting marginalized women, noting contending issues of workplace equality, women’s leadership, and the role of men as allies in the fight for gender equality.
