With the aim of harnessing the collective wisdom and experiences of various nations to create a comprehensive strategic roadmap for gender equality and especially women inclusion in governance and other leadership positions, women Radio 91.7 has been organizing conferences for the past seven years.
With the theme "Repositioning Women for Greater Impact”, the seventh edition of the conference has in attendance women from world over come to share experiences and fashion a way forward to issues women face.t The stressed the need for more visibility women to ensure good governance and development in the continent.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson VOW2023, Erelu Bisi-Fayemi while highlighting the progress made in changing the political landscape in some countries noted the challenges affecting African women and girls.
In her words, "In spite of the many challenges that we continue to face as African women, we have managed to make the case for women's leadership.A
"And in several countries, we have changed political landscapes in Liberia, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa and Kenya to mention a few," she said.
She lamented that despite that Nigerian women were among the better educated and wealthiest in Africa, it was not translated into political power, featuring poorly on most global indicators
"The most recent Global Gender Gap Index 2023 ranked Nigeria130th out of 146 countries.
"Nigeria has one of the highest maternal and I can't mortality rate in the world at 12 per cent of global figures, highest number of child brides at 22 million, which is the highest in West Africa and 11th highest globally."
Kwara state Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on his part said his administration is focused on gender mainstreaming in the state with over 56% cabinet members'.
He said: " In Kwara, women are in charge, with 56 per cent of women making majorities in the cabinet.
" So, as Chairman of NGF, in partnership with Governors Wives Forum, women can constitute a policy where for example states and constituencies that elect women into legislative houses can benefit financially, so you can assume any amount.
This way, states and constituencies will go for the money, this is applicable in fiscal responsibility where we are told that if you publish your budget, you get two million dollars. This is enriched governance and capacity building.
“So, if we have such programmes in gender issues, I'm certain that many constituencies will go for the money, that way more women will be brought to the table to make the right decisions and make the change.”
The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim-Anas also stressed that women should be on the table where development plans are rolled out.
“Nigeria cannot continue to stand on one leg as we do at the moment, women constitute almost 50 per cent of our population and so we need to complement each other by creating the right opportunities as every nation’s success is tied to the activities of women.”
While noting that the nation is focused on the wellbeing of the women and girls, she said the HPV vaccines have been recently rolled out by the federal government to ensure access to good health for girls so that they can have access to good education.
" Without education, we are nowhere I'm only standing here because my parents made the right decision at the right time to send me to school," she said.
Ms Toun Sonaiya, Cheif Executive Officer, Women Radio 91.7 FM, stressed the role of the media in promoting women's political participation in Nigeria.
" We ventured beyond our operational base and are penetrating different geopolitical zines and communities through collaborative partnership with media and women led organisation to amplify women's voice and advocacy for change."
Dr Margaret Karungaru, Commissioner, National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Republic of Kenya, stressed the need for women to support each other to ensure Inclusivity in all areas.
" Nigerian women need to support each other, don't look at women as competitors or adversaries. But support and ensure no one is left behind as we want to see more women in parliament."
.jpg)
0 Comments