By Sharon Akuboh
On Thursday at Abuja, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) launched the Ward 2 Ward Her Seat in Parliament and Governance Campaign, a nationwide advocacy initiative aimed at promoting women’s inclusion in governance and leadership across the nation.
The campaign, championed by National President NILOWV, Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, seeks to increase women’s representation in parliament and governance through the passage of the 74 special seat bill and the implementation of 35% affirmative action across all levels of government. She addressed the Media shortly after the Launch.
A Call to Action : Empowering Women in Governance
Hon Awuna- Ikyegh lamented that despite Nigeria’s commitment to international affirmative laws, women remain underrepresented in governance, with only 5.6% of Nigeria’s National Assembly comprised of women. The National Gender Policy recommends 50% representation, but this has yet to be domesticated. The campaign urges President Tinubu to support Nigerian women by speaking in support of the bill and encouraging the National Assembly to pass it.
Grassroots Mobilization: Key to Success
Hon Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, declared that “The success of the campaign relies on grassroots mobilization and sensitization. NILOWV members, trained experts in mobilization and advocacy, will work alongside NAWOJ members to provide sensitization and massaging efforts. State Chairpersons of NILOWV and NAWOJ will drive the campaign across the 774 local governments”.
Global Examples and Best Practices
She hinted that In Countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa have made significant strides in promoting women’s inclusion in governance. Research has shown that special seats in parliament have been instrumental in increasing women’s representation in governments worldwide. For instance, Rwanda’s implementation of a 30% quota for women in parliament has led to a significant increase in female representation.
The Power of Unity and Collaboration
The campaign calls on all Nigerians to join in the movement for a better Nigeria. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where women’s voices are heard and valued. We urge development partners and the private sector to support and fund this campaign.
Conclusion
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) are committed to promoting women’s inclusion in governance and leadership. We urge all Nigerians to join us in this historic campaign for a better Nigeria.
The event attracted eminent women including The President NCWS , Princess Edna D.D Azura, The Hon Minister Women Affairs and Social Development Haj Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, ably represented by Princess Jummai Idonijie, presented Goodwill messages to support the initiative.
Other dignitaries included A Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Princess Obiajulu, The DG Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mandate Secretary Women Affairs and Children’s Development FCTA and Executives of both NILOWV and NAWOJ from across the country who passionately urged stakeholders to embrace the initiative.
Earlier Co-Host of the event Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, The National Chairperson NAWOJ, emphasized the Media’s crucial role in amplifying the campaign messages. In order To ensure that Nigerian Women’s Voices are Heard all over.
The Chairperson NAWOJ FCT Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, assured NILOWV leadership that members of FCT NAWOJ are ever ready to amplify the Voices on this laudable Project.
