It is unfortunate that Bola Tinubu did not use the occasion of International Women’s Day yesterday to unveil the following policies

Ayo Akinfe 

[1] As from 2024, all political parties must make sure that at least one third of all their candidates for elective offices are female

[2] As from 2024, 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, attracting a minimum jail term of five years

[5] Every local government in Nigeria is compelled to open at least one care home and refuge for single mothers and victims of domestic violence 

[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 2027, in every state of Nigeria, the governor and deputy cannot both be male