The Gender and Equality Opportunity Bill passed second reading on the floor of the Senate on Thursday.

The bill sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South) was the first bill to be heard at plenary.

The Gender and Equality Opportunity Bill for an Act seeks to incorporate and enforce certain provision of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the protocol to the African Charter on Human & People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa and other matters connected.

Speaking on the bill, Senator Olujimi said it would eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

The bill seeks the adoption of special measures to ensure equality of all persons and ensure modifications to gender stereotypes.

It also seeks to prohibit all forms of violence against women in public and private places and sexual abuse.

Senators Oluremi Tinubu and Binta Garba towed the same line with Olujimi.

After deliberations without any opposition to its passage Senate President Bukola Saraki referred it to the Judiciary Committee after it passed second reading.