According to Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister for Women Affairs, Nigerian women should not be forced to pay taxes.
Uju said this at the 4th Annual Forum of the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group 2023 in Abuja.
The minister emphasised the importance of empowering women to improve their daily pursuits.
“Women must be given more power.” There will be no peace without women. “When you empower a woman, you empower 20 women,” she explained.
The minister also urged government agencies not to interfere with women’s activities, saying that “no woman should be required to pay any tax fee.”
Speaking at the event, Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, stated that the Nigerian police force is currently reviewing policies to address all issues related to the national gender policy.
Egbetokun said:
“It is equally in consonance with the policy of the current police administration under my leadership with absolute commitment to gender parity.”
“The forum for Women, Peace and Security Sector Reference Group serves as a platform for advocacy for the realisation of a gender-responsive security sector.
“This is especially related to the protection of women, children and the vulnerable in the country.
“It is also expected to serve as a platform to give all key actors and stakeholders in the security sector the opportunity to review the progress made in implementing the women’s peace and security agenda in Nigeria.
“This conference also has the potential to harness the strategic roles and responsibilities that women play in evolving strategies. Strategies aimed at achieving enduring peace and security in our country.
“I wish to reiterate that the Nigerian police force under my leadership is committed to continuing the implementation of gender-sensitive policies.
“It is pertinent to note that the Nigerian Police Force was the first security institution in the country to develop a gender policy in 2010.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian Police currently engages the practices that are geared towards maintaining zero tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence.
“We have and are still building the capacity of our officers to effectively and efficiently respond to all cases of gender-based violence. The aim is to eradicate the menace in our society.”
