By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will ensure that women vote and are voted for in the 2023 general elections.
According to INEC, it takes genda issues seriously adding that it has been working hard to ensure that no genda is suppressed when it comes to voting and aspiring to be voted for.
The commission stated this through its deputy director, Ndidi Okafor, at the launch of the Roadmap to Advance Gender Equality in Political Leadership in Nigeria, organized by International Republican Institute (IRI), Women’s Democracy Network and ElectHer.
“We are committed to mainstreaming gender issues in elections. We are committed to ensuring that women vote and are voted for. Women are intellectually healthy. Make use of the best information from this programme and participate in the elections. Support one another,” Ndidi said.
Also speaking, the Programme Officer, Women’s Democracy Network IRI, Bryant Martin Fiesta, said they work in 150 countries including Nigeria to ensure that women participate actively in politics.
“When I read the roadmap, it is a theme of building and strengthening the capacity of aspiring women leaders in politics. This policy is aimed at ensuring that we bring down structures that prevent women from advancing in politics,” he said.
Also, the advisory council member, ElectHer (agenda 35 Campaign), Ope Oriniowo, said no nation can advance without women participation in politics.
“No nation can move forward without active participation of women in politics. If we must move the country forward, we must move women forward. So, women and men must collaborate for nation building,” he said.
The Resident Programme Director, IRI Nigeria, Santiago Stocker, said they have been working to empower women to participate in politics adding that they will ensure structural change.
“Democracy is for all human beings, both men and women. This roadmap is to effectively advance gender equality in political leadership in Nigeria,” he said.
The founder, CEO/Founder ElectHER, Ibijoke Faborode, said they will continue to work at ensuring total implementation of the roadmap.
She said the problem in Nigeria is the implementation of policies adding that they will ensure that women in Nigeria participate actively in politics.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen who was represented said the road map will help them to achieve women ‘s affirmative action.
She said they will continue to ensure that they achieved the 35 percent women affirmation.
