The National Council of Women Societies says a federal high court ruling that upheld 35 per cent affirmative action for females has given hope to Nigerian women.

The National President of NCWS, Lami Lau, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, describing the judgement as a landmark ruling to end marginalisation of women in the political space.

“By this judgement, affirming our right to 35 per cent affirmative action and representation in both elective and appointive positions, justice has been done.

“This will  no doubt bring an end to years of marginalisation of women in Nigeria,” she said.

Mrs Lau said Nigerian women had been denied the right to contribute meaningfully to national development and the right to live free from discrimination and bias.

“Women have continued to be under-represented at all levels of leadership, in spite of the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to several international conventions and protocols on the rights of women,” she said.

While welcoming the development, Mrs Lau saluted the boldness of the judiciary and urged women to take advantage of the ruling to participate in politics. 

(NAN)