By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Women under the aegis of the Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) have vowed to end what they described as years of marginalisation and discrimination against women in politics, declaring readiness to change the narrative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, the President of the association, Mrs. Belinda Istifanus, said it was time for women across Southern Kaduna to rise and take their rightful place in governance.
“For too long, our women have been sidelined in politics. The few who dared to participate often faced intimidation, discrimination, and outright humiliation. But today, we are saying no more. The time has come for Southern Kaduna women to lead,” she said.
Istifanus explained that SOKATWA had built a leadership structure from the state to the ward level to ensure no woman was left behind in political participation.
She urged women to obtain and maintain valid voter cards, describing participation in elections as the foundation of empowerment.
“We want every woman to be a registered voter. This is your voice, your power, and your right,” she added.
SOKATWA also encouraged women to contest elections and seek appointive positions, pledging support for those who aspire to leadership roles.
The association announced plans to host the first Southern Kaduna Women’s Summit on December 27, 2025, in Kafanchan, to mobilise and empower women for active political engagement.
While condemning all forms of intimidation and discrimination against women in politics, SOKATWA urged civil society organisations, NGOs, and development partners to support initiatives promoting gender inclusion.
Mrs. Istifanus also criticised the recent arrest of the PDP candidate for Chikun–Kajuru Federal Constituency on alleged vote-buying charges and similar incidents involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as attempts to instil fear in women pursuing political leadership.
“Men know what women can do when they lead. We condemn the humiliation and arrest of the PDP candidate for Chikun–Kajuru and call on civil society groups to protect women contesting elections,” she said.
“This is bigger than politics; it’s about justice, equality, and the future of our children and communities.”She added.
