IWD: NGO calls for greater participation of women in governance
By Hassana Yakubu
March 10, 2022
As part of activities marking the 2022 International Women’s Day, an NGO, Centre for Communication
and Social Impact has called for increased participation of women in governance.
The Executive Director of the center, Mrs Babatunke Fagbemi, made the call during a programme to commemorate the IWD
on Thursday in Kaduna.
IWD is annually celebrated around the globe on March 8 to raise awareness about issues that affect women and girls and to celebrate
their contributions toward national development.
The campaign, which has “Gender Equality Today For A Sustainable Tomorrow”, has “BreakTheBias” as hashtag.
Fagbemi, therefore, urged Nigerians to help break the bias against women and young people’s participation in governance.
She urged government to live up to its commitment of 35 per cent affirmative action on women inclusion across all arms of government.
She said “upholding this will increase the country’s credibility in the international community,
“Inclusive governance is only possible when women sit at decision-making tables; contribute to planning and national development and
contribute to finding solutions to the many problems plaguing the nation.
“There is need for more women and youth inclusion and participation in politics.”
She also said that all groups within the population must be actively involved in governance process to achieve sustained
democracy.
“Their voices must be heard, their experiences and expertise utilised for optimal growth and development of the country,” she said.
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said that the role of women in nation building could not be undermined.
Balarabe stressed the need for more concerted efforts to break the barriers and challenges that prevented women from exhibiting their talents.
In her remarks, Actionaid Nigeria Representative, Mrs Fumilayo Oyefusi, called on the National Assembly to reconsider its position on
the 35 per cent Affirmative Action on women inclusion across all arms of governance.
Hajiya Hafsat Baba, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Human services and Social Development, who said women participation in politics
was key, urged them to contribute their quota in governance.
She also encouraged women who have no voter registration cards to get enrolled in ongoing registration to enable them to vote in the
2023 elections and beyond. (NAN)