Following the rejection of the gender and equality bill by the senate during the week, Nigerians especially those in the entertainment industry have continued to react to it.
Gloria Ibru, a singer in a telephone chat with Daily Trust, reacted thus: “I see no reason why the bill was rejected. Gender equality is something we all need in every area in Nigeria.”
She added “it is wrong for the bill to have been rejected; because when it is passed, it would make Nigeria a better place.”
Other artistes that have reacted to the senate’s rejection to pass the bill include Uche Jombo-Rodriguez and Stella Damasus. Jombo called on the Nigerian Senators to bury their heads in shame as they failed to maintain the basic rights and equal opportunities for men and women.
According to the actress, anything done to help the Nigerian woman is done to assist Nigeria. A message she posted on Instagram read in part, ‘’Read through the Gender Equality bill (2015/16). These are basic rights! Equal opportunities for men and women. Let’s get this off the way ‘Women empowerment is not a threat to senators’ as anything done to assist the Nigerian woman is done to assist Nigeria. Simple. How can you reject the Gender equality bill?’’
She added “Every Senator that voted against the bill should hide in shame and the annoying part is the excuses they are giving as to why the bill is thrown out this second time. FYI there are only 8 women in the 109-member Nigerian senate. It is amazing what women can do when we come together. Our voices MUST be heard.”
Actress Stella Damasus who blamed women for being unconcerned about the raging topic posted a message on Instagram too. She said: “The Nigerian senate has rejected the gender and equality opportunity bill at second reading. This is totally unacceptable.”
She further added “I am tired of seeing the same people fight for the rights of women and children, risking their lives while others don’t care. They act like they don’t know what is going on. They would rather put stupid pictures of their designer outfits and their shopping sprees.”
