The
National Council of Women's Societies has raised the alarm that about
90 per cent of women awaiting trial in prisons across the country are
either pregnant or are nursing mothers.
file photo
While speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during an inauguration on
Tuesday, Mrs. Gloria Shoda, the new national President of the National
Council of Women’s Societies, raised an alarm that about 90% of women
awaiting trial in prisons across the country are either pregnant or are
nursing mothers.
According to a report by Punch Metro, she said the council got this
startling statistics during its visit to the National Human Rights
Commission, adding that the council would be working with NHRC to
address such cases, not only as a promoter of women’s rights but also as
a protector of of the vulnerable.
She said: “We have interacted with several agencies such as the
Nigeria Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police and Ministries of
Health and Information.
“There were also advocacy visits to highlight some issues
affecting Nigerian women, with a view to keep them on the front burner.
“For example, during our recent courtesy visit to the
Inspector-General of Police, we highlighted news reports of rape
allegations against some members of the Police Force.
“Similarly, during our visit to the National Human Rights
Commission, it was revealed that 90 per cent of women awaiting trial in
prisons across the country are either expectant or nursing mothers.”
She, however, urged the government to integrate gender into its
development agenda, taking into account the needs of women and girls in
public policies and governance.
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