BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, a Non Governmental Organisation, has called for the enlightenment of women on Maputo protocol.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, better known as the Maputo Protocol, is an international human rights instrument established by the African Union that went into effect in 2005.
It also reports that the meeting discussed issues of women with regards to Maputo protocol domestication and implementation in Nigeria.
Its Director of Programmes, Mrs Anne Adidu-Lawal, made the call in Lagos during the inauguration meeting of its Lagos outreach.
According to her, Maputo protocol is an African legal instrument that protects the lives of women.
She said that many people didn’t know about it, but the instrument centred around culture, religion, practices that are peculiar to Africans and builds the capacity of women.
She said that Maputo protocol was very specific as it focused on all issues that affect the rights and practices against women.
Adidu-Lawal said that the inauguration of Lagos outreach became necessary because the NGO could not sit back in Abuja as a centre, without knowing what was happening in the states.
She said that the intention was to take BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights around the country and do more advocacy on Maputo policies.
She said that presently, the NGO was in eight states in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Ene Oshaba, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator, said that the NGO did not work with hearsay, but with likeminds passionate about BAOBAB.
Oshaba said that BAOBAB had volunteer members who are interested in promoting the rights of women and girls.
“The NGO wants to see a different society, understand women’s issues and be committed to the rights of women.
“The NGO respects human rights, wants a space where women could express themselves freely and not take ownership and head of the family.
“The NGO was to make women and girls know their rights and make case for themselves right from the grassroots.”
Responding, Dr Olawunni Oni-Buraimoh, Lagos Outreach Coordinator, said that the story of BAOBAB was all about resilience, ruggedness, motivation, achievements, among others.
According to Oni-Buraimoh , integrity keeps the NGO going and will not go out of its way.
“For all who are ready to learn, there is opportunity for capacity building as the NGO helps women at all levels,” she said.
