Group Advocates Women Inclusion In Politics For Good Governance

By Garry Ochigbo

Government at all levels have been advised to actively engage women in political leadership and decision making to enable them contribute to national development.

The President, League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Irene Awunnah-Ikyegh gave the advise at a conference in Abuja.

The President, of the league of women voters of Nigeria, Irene Awunnah-Ikyegh said the conference was aimed at empowering women economically and politically to play a larger role in governance and public affairs in the country.

Mrs Awunnah-Ikyegh explained that the Organization has recorded 125,000 female registered voters drawn from the 36 states and the 774 local governments in the country aimed at empowering voters in defending democracy.

She explained that efforts are in top gear in the training of women on the need for political participation to navigate the political landscape and build women’s capacity in governance.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Kogi state, Mrs Bolanle Olorunsejiye appealed to the federal government to create an avenue where women can fully exercise their civic rights and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the nation.

The Commissioner also urged the league of Women Voters of Nigeria to use the opportunity to collaborate with civil society organizations to foster inclusiveness of women from all walks of life to participate actively in democratic governance.

Earlier, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives Benjamin Kalu represented by Lilian Ogwuezue said the house had undertaken several initiatives to review laws and sections of the constitution for gender sensitive legislation, affirmative action, legislative advocacy and public consultations.

In a keynote address, Ambassador Ginika Tor- Ijemah urged women not to see themselves as competitors but, collective strength to tackle the numerous challenges faced by women ranging from gender based violence, inequality, and inadequate inclusiveness in political affairs.

Representative of the United Nations, Mr Zephaniah Aura callled on Nigerian lawmakers to prioritize women participation in leadership positions adding that seven women are presently occupying Governorship positions in his country, Kenya being a typical example of gender equality for nation building.

Edited By Grace Namiji