The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has said that Nigeria would develop more effectively if gender equality is practiced in all facets of the nation.

The Minister said this while speaking at an event marking the 2022 International Women’s Day, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Thursday, March 10. She stated this while reacting to the recent rejection of five bills by the House of Representatives that would have given women better opportunities. The house however on Tuesday, March 8, recinded its decision on three of the rejected bills.

Speaking during the event, Tallen called for concerted efforts to fight gender inequality in Nigeria, saying it was not a mistake that God created both genders to complement each other.

“We can only develop more effectively when we have gender equality. You cannot say that the country will move forward when over 50 percent is one gender controlling everything. It means we are standing on one leg.”

The minister also urged the national assembly to reconsider the gender bills.

“On March 8, there was a rethink by the lower house, and by the grace of God, the upper house will join them to have a rethink. We can’t be angry with them because we can’t throw away the baby with the bathwater.”