Human Rights of Women
Source: All Africa
Nigerian female lawyer and gender rights activist, Ms. Oby Nwankwo has been elected into the United Nations' Committee on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women, CEDAW.
Nwankwo, who said the election which was closely fought through three rounds, saw her candidature being threatened because of events at home.
"Nigeria really needs to get its act together. There was a struggle between Nigeria's reputation and a candidate they were convinced was highly qualified for the post and who had really campaigned hard. What matters is that we made it at last. The hall erupted in applause when my score was announced because there was tension when we were not making it," she said.
On her expectations, Nwankwo remarked: "I will endeavour to push the values and human rights principles for which we have put in so much efforts and resources in my work within the committee" She added that the election afforded opportunity to make preliminary contacts with state parties.
In a statement, Nigeria's Permanent Mission in New York said Nwankwo's election into "the prestigious UN committee will enable her continue championing the cause of liberty, freedom, justice, and equality for women and every girl child in Nigeria and around the world"'.
Nwankwo holds a Masters degree in Criminal Law and served in the Anambra State Judiciary as a Magistrate for 23 years, voluntarily retired from the Judiciary in 2004 and has been in the forefront of the campaign for the respect for women's rights, gender equality and good governance.