Nigeria may not have the capacity to intervene in Afghanistan but our National Assembly can send an immediate message to the Taliban with the passing of a Women's Right Bill 2021

Ayo Akinfe

[1] As from 2023, all political parties must make sure that at least one third of all their candidates are female

[2] As from 2023, at least one third of all political appointees must be female. Any state cabinet that fails to meet this requirement will not be recognised and have its federal allocation withheld

[3] All girls in secondary school and tertiary institutions will be provided with free sanitary towels every month

[4] Having sexual intercourse with a minor below the age of 16 will constitute statutory rape and attract a 10 year jail sentence

[5] Every local government is compelled to open at least one care home and refuge for single mothers

[6] Paternity leave of two weeks for men is now a statutory right

[7] Every local government area must establish at least one special mobile rape court

[8] Having sex with a domestic house help will be classified as statutory rape

[9] A Women’s Cooperative Bank will be established to offer micro finance, student loans, start-up capital and grants to women

[10] As from 2023, in every state, the governor and deputy cannot both be male

Our federal government needs to do something to make the point that Islamic fundamentalism is not the way forward. Across the Middle East, most Muslim nations are going for a moderate and measured version of Islam, which should be the path Nigeria tows.