The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network, a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in women and girls’ empowerment through leadership, mentorship and advocacy – has condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.

The suspension of the Nigerian Senator allegedly follows a petition she submitted about some acts of sexual harassment allegedly perpetrated by the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, against her.

Consequently, some of her privileges as a Senator, such as official vehicles, security, among others were reportedly stripped off her following her report on the development.

The YAWC Network, in a statement signed by its Global President-elect, Dr. Wirba Stephanie, has condemned the move, describing it as “unfortunate” and a move designed to suppress dissent.

“The recent actions [suspension] taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan serve as a stark reminder that speaking out against injustice can lead to severe repercussions.

“This suppression of dissent is not just a matter of individual rights; it is a societal issue that affects the fabric of our democracy”, part of the statement read.

According to the Network, the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also undermines Nigeria’s commitment to various international treaties and conventions on discrimination against women across various fields such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (UN-DEVAW); and Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP).

“According to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which Nigeria is a signatory, nations have an obligation to eliminate discrimination against women in political and public life. The suspension of a respected senator due to her brave stance against gender violence undermines this commitment.

“Internationally, frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women explicitly recognize that harassment and violence against women threaten their right to participate freely in political and public life. Closer to home, Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP).”

While these treaties and conventions serve as critical legal tools for combatting sexual and gender-based violence, the Network argued, their enforcement remains inconsistent, and the political arena continues to be rife with impunity.

The Network therefore called on the Nigerian Senate, the Nigerian government, civil society groups and all stakeholdersto as a matter of urgency, implement key reforms in addressing and curtailing the phenomenon once and for all.

The Network called for the reinstatement of Senator Akoti-Uduaghan and the return of all her privileges to her; the development and implementation of robust policies that actively protect women against sexual harassment; the establishment and strengthening of support networks for women who face harassment and intimidation in their professional environments; as well as the implementation of comprehensive education and training programs about sexual harassment and gender-based violence, targeted at both men and women, to foster an environment of respect and equality.

The Network also called on the Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to recuse himself and subject himself to the appropriate senate committees and other investigative agencies for a full-blown unbiased investigation on the allegations.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension serves as a crucial wake-up call for all of us. We cannot afford to be silent in the face of injustice.

“The Young African Women Congress Network stands firmly with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and all women who dare to speak out against gender-based violence and harassment. We urge all stakeholders —government, civil society, and citizens— to unite in the fight for a safe and equitable environment for women in all spheres of life”, the Network iterated.