Maureen Okpe
In a united call to action, stakeholders from government, corporate, and non-profit sectors in Nigeria, have called for increased women’s representation in leadership and stronger protection of their rights, for sustainable development.
The stakeholders made the call on Thursday, in Abuja, at the 8th Voice Of Women,VOW, Conference and Awards, organized by Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, with theme, ‘Achieving women’s inclusion for sustainable Nigeria.’
They emphasized the imperative to challenge systemic barriers and create opportunities for women to take their rightful place in decision making tables as well as inclusion of women at the grassroots.
Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her keynote address decried the zero safety net for Nigerian women resulting in injustice, non-inclusion, and absence of relevant economic policies that aide the plights of women.
Akpoti-Uduaghan charged relevant authorities to prioritize commitment to protecting the rights of women, especially women at the grassroots.
She said, “year after year, we have found women relegated, our consent not met, the needs of our children ignored. How then do we take charge of our lives? How then do we ensure that our communities thrive in projecting the consent and needs of women primarily?
“Where is the safety net for women? Do we have shelters for abused women, women who suffer domestic violence. How well is society protecting and prepared to support these women?
For her part, the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Women Radio 91.7FM and Convener VOW conference and awards, Toun Okewale Sonaiya called on President Bola Tinubu to champion and consider the 35 percent affirmative action for increased women representation at the 10th National Assembly.
Okewale noted the need for concerted efforts to increase representation of women which will assist to close the gap of gender inequality. Stating the need for deliberate and intentional policies to elevate Nigerian women.
She said, “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lend his voice and political will to getting the 74 extra seats bill passed by the 10th National Assembly.
“We need you to be deliberate and intentional, using your voice and political will to do more and elevate Nigerian women’s inclusion to global standards.
She charged women to use their individual and collective power to support more women into leadership, through financing, campaign, prayers and vote, when the need arises.
Okewale further highlighted education as a cornerstone of empowerment, commending the President on the introduction of NELFUND loan, while advocating for improved access to the initiative for girls.
Also, Minister of state for Labour and Employment , Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha affirmed that, without the rural women, gender parity may not be realised, she stressed the need for increase in women’s representation.Noting, women as key in the role of nation building.
Similarly, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, advocated the need for programmes and initiatives to improve gender equality.
Eyong, represented by the National Programme Officer, UNWomen, Patience Ekeoba,noted that women’s empowerment is not merely a matter of equality, but a foundation for sustainable development, inclusive governance and resilient society.
According to her, “Women at every level of society have the unique ability to shape lives, especially women at the grassroots. They are able to redefine norms. They are able to create systems of governance.”
Senator representing FCT, Ireti Kingibe while responding to questions and reactions of participants at the conference after a panel session clarified the misconception of some persons as opposed to what governance entails and the difficulty women in politics encounter.
According to her, “to me governance is bringing the most to the people.I want women to understand that during election, you are looking to vote for other women to ensure our general lives improve.”
Expressing her displeasure, Ireti said “the truth is that being a woman in the National Assembly is very hard. I have to lobby for everything, going from ministry to ministry.”
In her welcome address,Chairman of the planning committee, and Founder Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre,( WARDC), Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, stated that the conference was a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, and ensure support for grassroots women.
She highlighted discussions of the conference to revolve around actionable strategies that enhance women’s representation in leadership roles, reiterating inclusive governance as key to achieving national development.
“The significance of amplifying women’s voices cannot be overstated; together we have the power to reshape policies and create opportunities for all women.”
Highlights of the events include conferment of awards to notable Nigerians such as Otive Igbuzor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Mishap Antenna, Abiodun Oyebanji,Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Kole Shettima, amongst others for their commitment towards women empowerment.