ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has urged Nigerian security agencies to refrain from imposing taxes on women, emphasizing the need to empower women for progress in their daily activities.
Speaking at the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group 4th Annual Forum 2023 in Abuja, the barrister stressed the crucial role of empowering women for the overall well-being and peace in society.
Uju emphasized, “Women must be empowered. Without women, there won’t be peace. When you empower a woman, you have empowered 20 women.
“She cautioned security agencies against disturbing women in their activities and declared, “No woman should be allowed to pay any tax fee.”
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Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, addressed the forum, stating that the Nigerian police is currently reviewing policies to align with the national gender policy.
He affirmed the police administration’s commitment to gender parity and highlighted the significance of the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group in advocating for a gender-responsive security sector.
Egbetokun noted, “The Nigerian Police Force under my leadership is committed to continuing the implementation of gender-sensitive policies.”
He emphasized the force’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence and outlined ongoing efforts to build officers’ capacity to respond effectively to such cases.
The Police Inspector-General called for collaboration among all security agencies, stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and the media to collectively work towards advancing the protection of women in alignment with universally accepted best practices.
“I, therefore, call on all stakeholders including our sister security agencies, MDAs, NGOs and the media to join in the efforts to advance the protection of women in line with the universally accepted best practices,” he added.