Gbenga Sodeinde reporting from Ado Ekiti:
Women in Nigeria have been urged to actively participate in politics and strive to hold more elective positions. Calls have also been made to the federal government to implement the 35 percent affirmative action to enable women to take up strategic positions in nation building.
The appeal was made during a 2-day stakeholders convention referred to as “Advance Women Political Participation in Nigeria,” held at the Amore Hotels in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.
The convention, organized by the Balm In Gilead Foundation For Sustainability Development (BIGIF) and supported by United Nations Women in Canada, aimed to create an enabling environment for increased women participation in the 2027 general elections and future ones.
During the two-day event, various sessions were held where the traditional and religious roles of Nigerian women were highlighted. The participants challenged the stereotype belief that women should focus solely on household chores and advocated for their involvement in policy-making and decision-making processes that directly impact their lives.
Dr. Idris Ibrahim, a Principal Research Officer from the National Institute for Legislative and Development Studies in Abuja, stressed the need for a constitutional reform to encourage women to actively participate in elections and politics. He emphasized the significance of accountability for women holding positions of power, as it would serve as an inspiration for other women to engage in politics and elections.
The panelists, including prominent women politicians, media practitioners, civil society leaders, students, youths, and individuals with disabilities, all acknowledged the challenges faced by women aspiring for political positions. Factors such as financial constraints, lack of education, intimidation, and the perception that politics is a male-dominated field were cited as setbacks for women in their political journey.
Mrs. Folasade Akinola, a former chairperson of Gbonyin Local Government Area, highlighted financial constraints as a major hindrance for women entering the political space. However, she emphasized the importance of solidarity among women and the need to reconnect with local communities to overcome financial obstacles.
Modupe Mary Adetiba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State, expressed her belief in the capabilities of women to succeed in politics. She emphasized the necessity for women to undergo thorough sensitization, orientation, and mentorship to take an active role in decision-making processes that shape the present and future of the country.
Mr. Nelson Akerele, the Programme Manager of BIGIF, stressed the importance of building capacity among women and educating them about their powers and abilities in the political sphere. He identified the need for collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, grassroots organizations, civil societies, FIDA, and media houses to empower women and ensure their active participation in future elections.
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