Stakeholders in Ekiti state have advocated the need for more women to be engaged and be involved in political activities to ensure the socio-economic development of the society.
They spoke at a stakeholder meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on ‘Women’s Political Participation’, organised by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) with support from UN women and the government of Canada.
The event was attended by officials of the state Ministry of Women Affairs, traditional and religious leaders, CSOs, women groups and associations including the media.
The Executive Director of BIGIF, Oluwatumininu Adedeji stated that the organisation was committed to the advancement of the womenfolk in the political scene by creating platforms for their voices to be heard.
Represented by the project coordinator, Jude Oluwagbenga, the ED called on the stakeholders to intensify efforts in the advocacy for more women participation in politics through their platforms and organisations.
The Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, Zephaniah Aura commended the state government and its agency for the inclusion of women in the leadership and political positions in the state.
Aura, who disclosed that the state was the second state after Plateau to domesticate the Equal Opportunity and Gender law, said all efforts must be geared towards sustaining the current feat of women in both appointed and elected positions in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Peju Babafemi said successive governments and the present administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji have given priority to women’s participation in politics and leadership in the state.
She commended BIGIF and its partners for bringing stakeholders together on the subject, noting that it would no doubt help the administration in designing and implementing policies that would further advance the course of women in the state.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Owoola Daramola reiterated the resolve of political parties in the state not to discriminate against women but to accord them more opportunities to contribute to the development of the country.
Daramola explained records across levels have shown that women perform better in leadership positions, urging them not to be discouraged but more determined to participate in the political process, especially from the grassroots.
The Principal Research Officer at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Dr Idris Ibrahim while speaking on the strategies for the implementation of the State’s Equal Opportunities law passed in 2013 said there is a need for deliberate efforts towards a legal framework for the implementation in the state through a commission.
Ibrahim, who disclosed that the state stood out in the country in the area of women political participation, advocated the call for more women to be involved early enough ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said that Nigeria is lagging behind in putting in place a legal framework to guarantee more opportunities for women compared to some African countries like South Africa, Siera-Leone, Malawi and Rwanda.
According to him, the leadership of NILDS and other stakeholders would remain resolute towards the passage of the Equal Opportunity bill in the National Assembly.
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