GESI Tracker: Surrogacy, Gifted Kids and Implementation of the Disabilities Act

The “GESI Tracker” is a dedicated lens through which we scrutinise, analyse, and celebrate parliamentary activities’ on gender and inclusion-related dimensions.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the GESI Tracker, your comprehensive weekly report on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) activities within the hallowed halls of the National Assembly. As a part of OrderPaper’s ongoing commitment to promoting transparency and fostering awareness of gender-related issues, this report seeks to illuminate the gender and inclusion dynamics shaping legislative decisions and policy discourse. As the heartbeat of our nation’s democracy, the National Assembly plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our society. 

The “GESI Tracker” is a dedicated lens through which we scrutinise, analyse, and celebrate parliamentary activities’ on gender and inclusion-related dimensions. From debates on critical bills addressing gender equity to the commendable efforts of legislators championing the cause of social inclusion each week, this report will delve into the nuanced landscape of parliamentary proceedings as they impact GESI. 

READ ALSO: Speaker Abbas tasks constitution review Committee to prioritise gender bills

Our mission is clear: to provide you, our esteemed readers, with a bird’s-eye view of the strides made in advancing gender equality and inclusion, the challenges that persist, and the impactful decisions reverberating through the corridors of power. In doing so, we aim to empower citizens with information, spark conversations, and inspire collective action towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 

Join us on this journey of exploration and advocacy as we navigate the unfolding narrative of gender-related activities within the National Assembly. The “GESI Tracker” is more than a report; it is a testament to the power of informed citizenship and the transformative potential of parliamentary engagements when viewed through the lens of gender equality and social inclusion. Together, let us track progress, confront challenges, and amplify the voices shaping the gender discourse in our nation’s legislative arena.

GESI FOCUS OF THE WEEK: 

Plenary Week of February 27th-29th, 2024

Bills:

• Surrogacy Bill, 2024 (HB.1137) – Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala, Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire Federal Constituency, Oyo. The Surrogacy Bill is an establishment Bill that seeks to protect the surrogacy parties by coordinating the surrogacy journey’s critical legal components amongst the intending parties while protecting collaboration between the parties and the healthcare institution. The bill appeared before the House on Tuesday, 27th February, and was passed for a second reading. While surrogacy laws and regulations in Nigeria are not well-established, and the practice needs to be explicitly addressed in its legal framework, it is slowly gaining consciousness in the country. It is similarly a practice considered within the GESI framework on gender equality, social inclusion, rights and autonomy, cultural sensitivity, etc. 
• Gifted and Talented Children’s Centre Bill, 2023 (HB.1086) – Hon. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, Enugu East and Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Enugu. This bill was also passed for a second reading on Tuesday, the 27th. The Gifted Education Programme allows exceptional, genius students with outstanding intelligence and capable of high academic performance to fast-track the secondary education curriculum and place them on the pathway to becoming innovators, inventors, and founders who would drive the future of our country.

  

Motions: 

• Need to Investigate the Compliance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018: Hon. Lanre Okunola, Surulere II Federal Constituency, Lagos 

The motion was moved on Tuesday, 27th February, seeking the House’s mandate to investigate why Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were yet to comply with Sections 3–8 of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018. These sections provide that within five years (2023) of the piece of legislation becoming law, which is the moratorium period, buildings in the country should provide ease of access, such as ramps and elevators, so that persons with disability have the right to access the physical environment and facilities on an equal basis with others. However, after the moratorium period of five years, the motion seeks better compliance. 

The motion also highlighted that the WHO (World Health Organization) places the estimate of persons with Disabilities in Nigeria at 30 Million. These persons, despite the Act, still face stigmatisation, discrimination, violence, and lack of access to physical structures such as Transportation, Health, Education, Housing and other necessities of life. In seeking the full implementation of the Act, the House has resolved that the Committee on Disabilities should investigate the compliance level of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government (MDAs) to the Disability Act 2018.