Nigerian Women Demand Zero Tolerance For Violence, Hate Speeches
A coalition of women drawn from different parts of the country, have demanded for peace, zero tolerance for violence and hate speeches.
The women, under the aegis of #NGWomen4Peace, launched a peace campaign tagged ‘#WhiteBlouseDayCampaign’, expressed worry over the state of affairs in the country.
According to them, the campaign is to notify Nigerians and the international community on Nigerian women’s demand for peace and zero tolerance for violence and hate speeches.
Speaking at the South West zonal press conference held at the Nigerian Union of journalists’ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the national president, National Association of Women Journalists, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole said that the women decided on the peace campaign because they bear the brunt of every crisis and conflict all over the world.
While noting that Nigerians have a right to reside and conduct business therewith in dignity and safety in any part of the country they so desire, Omowole noted that the group was focused on ensuring that Nigeria remains a country of peace, prosperity and participation for all.
Giving background to how the group came about, the NAWOJ national president said that ‘NGWomen4Peace’ birthed in response to the growing wave of hate speeches and violence against the backdrop of the current ethnic tensions in the country, even as government, at all levels, is tasked with the responsibility of promoting and protection of freedom of expression.”
She expressed hope that a better Nigeria where every individual a have equal opportunities to be the best they can be for themselves and their communities is achievable through dialogue instead of violence and needlessly sacrificing the lives of innocent citizens.
“NGWomen4Peace was birthed in response to the growing wave of hate speeches and violence against the backdrop of the current ethnic tensions in the country, even as the government, at all levels, is tasked with the responsibility of promoting and protection of freedom of expression.
“The group believes that Nigerians have a right to reside and conduct business therewith in dignity and safety in any part of the country they so desire. It is our hope for a better Nigeria where every individual has equal opportunities to be the best they can be for themselves and their communities.
“Nothing good comes without hard work and sacrifice and thus we, the Nigerian women, declare that we can and must build the country of our dreams without sacrificing the lives of innocent citizens.
“As part of its objectives to mark the 2017 Independent Day in Nigeria, the group is partnering with women in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to lead the coalition’s first ever #WhiteBlouseDayCampaign on Sunday, October 1st 2017,” she said.
