Nigerian women have been urged in different social states to be more politically and actively involved in partisan policy as the next general elections in the country approach.
They were encouraged to take measures during a one -day summit held in Lagos on Tuesday, organized by the Environment and Youth Development Initiative of Women (Woyodev), a non -governmental organization focused on women and young people.
The forum, with the theme “From the margins to the mainstream: Empowering women for political participation in Nigeria”, gathered dozens of women and girls from various origins and political parties, including those who live with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, the convening and executive director of Woyodev, Mrs. Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi, emphasized the importance of the summit, describing three main objectives.
According to her, the Summit aims to promote strong and sustainable feminist movements and coalitions to promote the active participation of women in politics, challenge social norms, including gender discrimination, which often relegate women to the origin in the exchange of political power and decision -making, and train women to assume leadership roles.
Revealing that the two -year project, supported by the European Union (EU), will initially focus on three states: Lagues, ENUGU and KWARA, the founder of Woyodev emphasized the need for Nigerian women to take a step forward and compete with men for political positions at government and party levels.
She said: “We want a complete and active inclusive participation of women, both old and young, in political activities that will amplify not only the voices and interests of women in the government, but also make society a better place for everyone.”
He pointed out that Nigeria does not lack competent and credible women who can be with men in politics. However, sociocultural norms and economic limitations often serve as impediments.
“But with this project, our goal is to change the narrative ensuring that we have a substantial number of women in leadership positions at all levels of government and political parties.
“Women have knowledge and talented and have the necessary qualities to function even better than men if they are given the opportunity.
“Then, women must go beyond singing and dance in political manifestations and overcome the barriers that have limited their participation in politics.
“Participating actively in politics goes beyond simply going out to vote or receive the empowerment of political leaders; it also implies competing and gaining elective positions, and the time to take measures is now.”
In its separate addresses, a councilor and majority leader in the area of ​​the Development Council of eastern lakes, Mrs. Mazeedat Giwa, and her counterpart of Isol They affect women.
They stressed that Nigerian society, in general, and many men, in particular, do not feel comfortable with women assuming leadership roles, not only in government but also in corporate institutions, religious environments and family structures, which limit their support and encouragement for the political participation of women.
Beyond these challenges, they noticed that some women themselves do not support their peers in leadership, they often do everything possible to hinder their progress.
“That is why we see, in our society, women condemning their classmates and giving unfounded reasons why a particular woman should not be considered alone supported, for political positions, even at the party level,” folasade emphasized.
However, the two legislators indicated that, although this trend prevails throughout the country, the state of Lagos has witnessed a growing number of women in political roles.
They cited the example of more women who occupy positions of local government councilor in the state.
According to them, the state of Lagos previously had only 22 councilors, but the number has now increased to 42 in the 57 areas of the local government and the Development Council. They anticipate that this number could increase to at least 100 in the next dispensation.
They said that an even higher number is desirable and, therefore, more women should rise on board, while encouraging and supporting other women to join active politics. They pointed out that women have the ability to provide viable solutions to the innumerable socio -economic crises that have affected Nigeria and their people over the years.
“Developing a woman is to develop a nation,” they concluded.
Some of the participants in the event shared their thoughts with Tribune online aside, stating that they were now better informed about the need for women to actively participate in politics. They also pledged to take action and support other women in leadership roles.
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